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- A TEXAS 
RANGER 

BY 

HARRY VAN DEMARK 




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THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 
PHILADELPHIA 



Successful Rural Playi 

A Strong Li«t From Which to Select Your 
Next Play 

FARM FOIiKS. A Rural Play in Four Acts, by Arthur 
Lewis Tubes. For five male and six female characters. Time 
of playing, two hours and a half. One simple exterior, two 
easy interior scenes. Costumes, rtiodern. Flora Goodwin, a 
farmer's daughter, is engaged to Philip Burleigh, a young New 
Yorker. Philip's mother wants him to marry a society woman, 
and by falsehoods makes Flora believe Philip does not love her. 
Dave Weston, who wants Flora himself, helps the deception by 
intercepting a letter from Philip to Flora. She agrees to marry 
Dave, but on the eve of their marriage Dave confesses, Philip 
learns the truth, and he and Flora are reunited. It is a simple 
plot, but full of speeches and situations that sway an audienc* 
alternately to tears and to laughter. Price, 25 cents. 

HOME TIES. A Rural Play in Four Acts, by Arthur 
Lewis Tubes. Characters, four male, five female. Plays two 
hours and a half. Scene, a simple interior — same for all four 
acts. Costumes, modern. One of the strongest plays Mr. Tubbs 
has written. Martin Winn's wife left him when his daughter 
Ruth was a baby. Harold Vincent, the nephew and adopted son 
of the man who has wronged Martin, makes love to Ruth Winn. 
She is also loved by Len Everett, a prosperous young farmer. 
When Martin discovers who Harold is, he orders him to leave 
Ruth. Harold, who does not love sincerely, yields. Ruth dis- 
covers she loves Len, but thinks she has lost him also. Then 
he comes back, and Ruth finds her happiness. Price 25 cents. 

THE OLD NEW^ HAMPSHIRE HOME. A New 

England Drama in Three Acts, by Frank Dumont. For seven 
males and four females. Time, two hours and a half. Costumes, 
modern. A play with a strong heart interest and pathos, yet rick 
in humor. Easy to act and very effective. A rural drama of 
the "Old Homstead" and "Way Down East" type. Two ex- 
terior scenes, one interior, all easy to set. Full of strong sit- 
uations and delightfully humorous passages. The kind of a play 
everybody understands and likes. Price, 25 cents. 

THE OLD DAIRY HOMESTEAD. A Rural Comedy 
in Three Acts, by Frank Dumont. For five males and four 
females. Time, two hours. Rural costumes. Scenes rural ex- 
terior and interior. An adventurer obtains a large sum of money 
from ^ a ;farm house through the intimidation of the farmer's 
niece,' V^^ose husband he claims to be. Her escapes from th« 
wiles, cf^the villain and his female accomplice are both startinc 
and ribvel. Price, 15 cents. 

A WHITE MOUNTAIN BOY. A Strong Melodrama ia 
Five Acts, by Charles Townsend. For seven males and four 
females, and three supers. Time, two hours and twenty minute«L 
One exterior, three interiors. Costumes easy. The hero, a 
country lad, twice saves the life of a banker's daughter, whi<A 
results in their betrothal. A scoundrelly clerk has the banker 
in his power, but the White Mountain boy finds a way to check- 
mate his schemes, saves the banker, and wins the girl. Price 
15 cents. 

THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

PHILADELPHIA 



A Texas Ranger 

A Play of the Great Southwest in 
Three Acts 



By 

HARRY VAN DEMARK 
Author of ''The Texan;' ''The Ranchman^' etc. 




PHILADELPHIA 
THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

1915 



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Copyright 191 5 by The Penn Publishing Company 



TMP96-00ba34 



M 24 1915 



A Texas Ranger 



QuLD 41034 



A Texas Ranger 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Billy Driscoll a Texas Ranger 

MoRT Fielding a cattle rustler 

Dave Manson his pal 

Richard Granville . a ranchman, owner of Circle A 
Tom Lane . . . storekeeper and postmaster at Gaiicho 

Jim Shrunk his rival in love 

Bobby Granville Richard Granville^ s son 

Tess Granville . . . Richard Granville's daughter 

Polly Hinton her chum 

Euphremja Wilson a school teacher 

Pepita Morales a Mexican girl 

Time of Playing : — Two hours and a half. 



SYNOPSIS 

Act I. — In front of the hotel and post-office in Gaucho, a 
small town on the Texas-Mexico border. Afternoon. 

Act II. — Living-room at Circle A Ranch, — afternoon, two 
weeks later. 

Act III. — Same as Act II, the following morning. 

Time: — The present. 



STORY OF THE PLAY 

Billy Driscoll, a Texas "ranger" (or state police officer), 
comes to the little town of Gaucho, on the Texas- 
Mexico border. He is on the trail of a band of "rus- 
tlers " (cattle thieves) of whom he suspects Mort Field- 
ing to be the head. Billy, disguising his profession, 
becomes foreman of the Granville or "Circle A" 
ranch. Fielding repulses Pepita, a Mexican girl whom 
he has previously courted, and makes love to Tess 
Granville, but she holds him off. Billy discovers a plot 
to steal some of the Granville cattle, and sets men on the 
watch. Tess won't believe that Fielding is so bad. 
Fielding, in order to throw Billy off the scent, comes 
boldly to the ranch house. Billy tells him he is sus- 
pected. Fielding seizes Tess and, using her as a 
shield, shoots at Billy, grazing his head. Billy falls, 
and Fielding escapes. 

In the final act Billy, who has recovered in time to chase 
Fielding, brings back his man under guard. Some of 
the other thieves are captured, and the gang is broken 
up. Tess admits that Billy was right, and also that 
she loves the ranger. Billy announces his intention to 
resign as a ranger and settle down on the ranch. Two 
other love stories, one of them very funny, also end 
satisfactorily. 



COSTUMES AND CHARACTERISTICS 

Billy Driscoll. A young man of twenty-eight, well-built, 
attired in cowboy costume, consisting of soft shirt, 
trousers tucked into high-heeled boots, wide-brimmed 
hat, belt and two revolvers. 

Mort Fielding. About thirty, with a dark, sinister face, 
a general all-around " bad " man and bully. Costume 
similar to above. 



PROPERTIES 

Dave Manson. Younger than Fielding, stockily built, 
same general characteristics and costume. 

Richard Granville. About fifty, large, strongly-built, 
hair gray at the temples, iron gray mustache. Cos- 
tume similar to others mentioned above. 

Tom Lane. About fifty, gray-haired, small of stature, 
wears soft shirt, trousers and boots with a handkerchief 
knotted about his neck in lieu of a collar. 

Jim Shrunk. About forty-five, tall, lean and lanky, wears 
suit of *' store" clothes, much too small for him. 
Unarmed except as explained by business in Act II. 

Bobby Granville. Not over twenty, inclined to overdo 
his cowboy costume by wearing fancy chaps, loud vest, 
etc. Otherwise, costume similar to DriscoU's or Field- 
ing's. 

Tess Granville. About twenty-two. Simple dress, prob- 
ably shirt-waist and skirt, the latter divided for riding, 
in first act, with plain black or dark skirt in other acts. 

Polly Hinton. About nineteen. Costume similar to 
Tess's. 

EuPHREMiA Wilson. About forty, but acts like eighteen — 
giddy, and inclined to simper and giggle, especially 
when men are around. Dresses of simple material, but 
gaudy, reflecting her desire to appear youthful. Wears 
small hat set well on top of her head. 

Pepita Morales. Twenty — typical Mexican girl, dark- 
skinned, beautiful in a wild sort of way. Wears plain, 
dark dress, with vari-colored sash reflecting her nation- 
ality. 



PROPERTIES 



Act I. — Revolvers for Driscoll, Fielding, Manson and Gran- 
ville. Cigarette for Billy. Letter for Billy. Match 
for Shrunk. Quirt for Fielding. Effect for hoof- beats 
off" stage right. 

Act II. — Plain furniture for room as shown in scene plot. 
Revolver for Shrunk. Lamp. 

Act III. — Knife and sheath on table. Revolver for Pepita. 



SCENE PLOTS 
Act I 




Scene. — A street in the little village of Gaucho, on the 
Texas- Mexico border. Exterior back drop shows 
houses or stretch of plains, with bushes, etc. Wood 
wings R. and l. At r., supported on two posts, is a 
large sign, set high enough for a person to walk under, 
and reading *'Tom Lane, General Merchandise and 
Post-Office." At L. is a similar sign reading *'Ajax 
Hotel." Wooden bench down r. Chair up r. 

Note. — A more elaborate, but more effective setting maybe 
used if desired. This setting shows across the back two 
adjoining buildings, bearing signs reading as above. 
A long gallery or piazza with pillars runs the full length 
of both buildings with several old wooden chairs on it. 



6 



SCENE PLOTS 



Acts II and III 

JfffOP ■artotvS Out- BDtLpjNOS OK oPBf^ ' Ptuftt 




Scene. — Interior of Granville's house at Circle A Ranch. 
Exterior drop, back, shows outbuildings or open plain. 
Large window (may be omitted) from c, toward R. 
Door in flat up l. Doors l., and up R. Fireplace R. 
(may be omitted). Sofa down r. Table and chairs 
R. c. Bookcases or other furnishings as desired. It 
should be a simply furnished, but comfortable, room. 



A Texas Ranger 



ACT I 

SCENE. — Street in village of Gaucho. (See Scene Plots.) 
Store andpost-officcy r. Aj'ax Hotel, L. Bench down r. 

{At rise of curtain Pepita Morales comes out of store up 
"Si,, followed by Tom Lane, the storekeeper.') 

Lane {shaking his head). I'm sorry, Pepita, but I can't 

let ye have nothin' more. 
Pepita. Ah, but eet ees ver' hard on me, senor. I have 

my mother to support. 
Lane. Well, times is gittin' hard, an*, anyway, ye ought to 

make Mort Fielding marry yuh — he's been promisin' 

long enough. 
Pepita {her face brightening ), Ah, if he only would ! 
Lane. Listen, Pepita ! {He comes closer and looks about 

to make sure no one is looking.) I'm goin' to tell ye 

somethin' — somethin' ye ought to know. 
Pepita. What ees eet, senor ? 
Lane. Fielding's makin' love to Tess Granville. 
Pepita. To Tess Granville? The ranchman's daughter? 
Lane. Sure thing — at least he's tryin' to. 
Pepita {savagely , seizing his arm). How you know this ? 
Lane. Well, I know — that's all. 
Pepita. How — tell me how ! 
Lane. Why, don't I see 'em every day? Don't he come 

to the post-office an' hang around till she comes after 

her mail ? 
Pepita. He does that, senor ? 
Lane. Sure thing. 
Pepita {with a snarl). Ah ! 
Lane. Now, if I was you, I'd pin him down an* make him 

come clean. 



A TEXAS RANGER 

Pepita. What you mean, seiior — come clean ? 

Lane. Make him treat you right. Every one is talkin* 

about the way he abuses you, an' they say, now he's 

found another pretty face, he's goin' to throw you over. 
Pepita {i7ic lined to be hysterical'). Dios ! What shall 

I do? 
Lane (looki?tg about cautiously to make sure no one hears 

him). I'll tell ye what ! 
Pepita. Yes, seiior — yes. 

Lane. Tell him if he don't marry you, you'll kill him ! 
Pepita {drawing back). Keel him ? But, senor, I do not 

vant to keel him. 
Lane. Well, run the bluff — it may scare him up. 
Pepita. No — eet vould not scare him. He ees not afraid 

of any human being that ever live. 
Lane. Well, I'll admit he's a tough proposition, all right. 

All the boys round here are scairt of him. He's too 

blame quick on the trigger. 
Pepita. Ah, yes, eet ees magnificent the way he shoot ! 

No, no, I could not keel him. I lofe him, senor. I 

shall vait. Perhaps, after all, I can vin hees lofe away 

from this othair girl. 
Lane. As you please, Pepita. I jest wanted to help you. 
Pepita. Ah, yes, I know — I know. Eet ees my poor 

mother whom I must support, seiior. For myself, I 

could do without food, but her — ah, that ees diff'rent. 
Lane. Well, you think over what I've said. If you threaten 

Fielding, it may do some good. 
Pepita. No, no — eet vould only make him angry — then he 

vould keel me ! 
Lane. Well, tell him to pay me what he owes me. Then 

you can have anything I've got. 
Pepita. All right, seiior. I tell him, but I am afraid eet 

ees of no use. 

{Shaking her head sadly, she goes r. and exit. Lane stands 
up R. looking after her, and as he does so, Mort Field- 
ing and his friend, Dave Manson, swagger in, l.) 

Fielding {pulling yipcin?,^^ toivard hotel,!..). Come on- 
one more. 
Manson {holding back). Nope — I've had enough. 
Fielding. No, you haven't. You come with me. 

{Pulls him up l. toward hotel.) 

10 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Manson. Wait a minute, now — and listen. I've got some- 
thin' to tell you (^He sees Lane and addsy sig- 
nificantly J) Alone ! 

Lane. Go ahead — don't mind me. 

(^He moves slowly toward the store, up R.) 

Fielding (^glaring at him). You heard what he said — 

alone ! 
Lane. Yep — I heard all right — an' you're goin' to be alone 

— no mistake about that. 

{Exit quickly into store, up r.) 

Fielding {turning to Manson). Now, what is it? 
Manson. D'ye remember that talk we had 'bout ol' man 

Granville's steers? 
Fielding. Yes. What of it ? 
Manson. You know what you said ! 

{They come down, l.) 

Fielding. Yes, I said when the time come, we'd cut out 
a bunch of 'em, an' run 'em across the border. 

Manson {significafitly). Well — the time's come I 

Fielding. What do you mean ? What have you heard ? 

Manson. Enough to know that Granville's herd'll be in 
charge o' only four men to-night. 

Fielding. Are you sure of this ? 

Manson. Of course. I never told you no lie, did I ? 

Fielding. Then we must get word to the boys. It couldn't 
have come at a better time — it's th' dark o' moon, an' 
we can cut out a bunch of his choicest stock v/ithout 
any one bein' the wiser. An' if they should discover 
us, we'll outnumber 'em three to one, an' — well 

{ITe touches the butt of his revolver sigfiificantly.') 

Manson. That's the talk. What d'ye want me to do? 

Fielding. First, I want yuh to come into the hotel, an' 

Manson. But, Mort, I 

Fielding. Come on ! {Fulls him.') Then yuh can ride 

out an' see the boys an' get everything fixed. 
Manson. Ain't you comin', too? 
Fielding. Not me. {With a wink.) I'm goin' to meet 

you at Hapham's Ford at sundown. Just now — well, 

II 



A TEXAS B ANGER 

the beautiful Miss Tess Granville is about due at the 
post-office, an' I've other fish to fry. 

{N'udges M ANSON in the side and laughs.) 

Manson. Ah — you ! 

(^Returns the nudge. They laugh and exeunt into hot el , up 
L. As they go, Lane comes out of the store again^ up 
v^.f followed by Jim Shrunk.) 

Shrunk {earnestly). No kiddin', Tom — I tell ye the school 
teacher's stuck on your shape. 

Lane {laughing and sizing him up). Well, when it comes 
to shapes, Jim, you've got me whipped. I wonder 
Euphremy ain't caught onto you 'fore this. 

Shrunk. Durned if 1 don't wish she had ! 

{He comes down, R.) 

Lane. What — yuh really want her? {Follows down, r.) 
Shrunk. Want her? You're durn whistlin' I want her ! 
Lane. Then it's easy fixed. Jest take her. I wash my 

hands of her — I give her to you. 
Shrunk. Them words roll out o' you as easy as castor oil 

down a kid's throat, but you know that critter come to 

Gaucho to git a man, an' she's got her eye set on you. 
Lane. Why, I ain't never give her no encouragement. 
Shrunk. The dickens you ain't ! {Sits on bench.) 
Lane. No — honest I ain't. {Sits on bench.) 
Shrunk. Now, looky here, Tom Lane, you an' me's been 

pals fer ten years, an' I ain't never caught you tellin* 

no lie, but when yuh say yuh ain't encouraged that 

gurrul 

Lane. Thunder ! She ain't no gurrul ! 

Shrunk. When ye say ye ain't encouraged that gurrul, I 

said ! 
Lane. I tell ye she ain't no gurrul — if she was — well, it 

might be diff' rent. 
Shrunk. Well, she's picked you out, an' it'd be a durn 

shame not to satisfy her trustin' heart. 
Lane. Say, Jim, soft pedal ! You wasn't cut out to sling 

them sentimental words. 
Shrunk. Never mind. I ain't goin* to stand by an' see 

yuh give Euphremy th' go-by. 
Lane. The go-by ? 

12 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Shrunk. The sudden twist — the shake. Oh, you know 

what I mean. 
Lane. An' yet yuh say you'd like to have her ! 
Shrunk. Yuh bet I would ! 
Lane. Then I say, take her — take her ! 
Shrunk. Nope — I'm a man o' honor — an* if Euphremy's 

set her heart on you, by gracious, she's goin' to have 

yuh ! 
Lane. Look here, Jim — you're goin' too far. I ain't 

makin' enough money to s'port a wife. 
Shrunk. Yuh ought to thought o' that before yuh led 

her on. 

Lane. But I didn't lead her on, I tell yuh 

Shrunk. You needn't tell me nothin'. I know what I 

know. An' if Euphremy Wilson's made up her mind 

she's goin' to have you, well, you bet she is ! 
Lane. Now, see here, Jim, you propose to her. I don't 

want her. I 

Shrunk. If I propose to her, I'll do it fer you. 

Lane. Don't waste it — do it fer yourself. Whenever I git 

to the proposin' point, it ain't goin' to be done by 

proxy. 
Shrunk. Proxy's a pretty good thing sometimes — specially 

when ye're scairt. 
Lane. But I ain't scairt. I jest don't want Euphremy 

Wilson, that's all. 
Shrunk. Well, yuh gotta have her — I'm goin' to her an' 

tell her yuh want her to be your wife. 

Lane. No, ye ain't, now — listen, Jim, I 

Shrunk. Ain't no use to argue with me — my mind's done 

set, an' when she's set, she's set. 
Lane. But I tell yuh (^He looks suddenly off l., aitd 

starts.) Great hemlock — here she comes now ! 
Shrunk. Then yuh better decide quick. 
Lane. Decide ? Decide what ? 
Shrunk. Whether you're goin' to propose, or whether I'm 

goin' to do it fer yuh. 
Lane. Jim, won't yuh git that fool notion out o' your 

head? 
Shrunk. Nope, I won't — anyway, it ain't no fool notion- 
it's justice ! 
Lane. Well, if yuh feel that way, do as yuh durn please. 

I'm on my way ! 

13 



A TEXAS RANGER 

(^Exit hurriedly into store ^ up R.) 

(Shrunk rises and carefully arranges his necktie, just as 
EuPHREMiA Wilson e?iters l. He bows low.) 

Shrunk. Good -afternoon, Miss Euphremy ! 
EuPHREMiA. Oh, Mr. Shrunk — how you startled me ! 

{She giggles.) 

Shrunk. Startled you ? Why, where was your mind ? 
EuPHREMiA. I was thinking — 1 was thinking — of 

(Pause.) 

Shrunk. Of Tom Lane ! I know ! 

EuPHREMiA. Oh, Mr. Shrunk, how did you guess ? 

{Giggles f and comes downy r.) 

Shrunk. Oh, I'm some guesser, I am. 

Euphremia. Is Mr. Lane in ? 

Shrunk. Nope — I don't reckon he is. He went inside a 

while ago, but somehow I got the impression 'at he was 

goin' right out the back door again. 
Euphremia. Oh, I'm so sorry. 
Shrunk. Never mind. Will yuh walk down the road a 

piece with me ? 

Euphremia. Oh, Mr. Shrunk, I {Pause.) 

Shrunk. I got somethin' real serious to say to yuh. 

Euphremia. Oh, Mr. Shrunk ! 

Shrunk. Somethin' about Tom Lane. 

Euphremia {her face lighting icp). Oh, then I'll go with 

you. I think Mr. Lane is such a nice man. 
Shrunk {as they stroll l.). Well, he's been goin' with 

you right smart lately. 
Euphremia. I didn't know you'd noticed it. 
Shrunk. Yep. I see a lot o' things I shouldn't. 
Euphremia. Shouldn't? Do you mean to insinuate that 

there is anything going on between Mr. Lane and me 

that shouldn't be seen ? 
Shrunk. Oh, no, no ! You misunderstood me. What I 

meant to say was ( Talking^ they go l. and exeunt. ) 

{As they go Lane peers cautiously i?i at extreme R., ajt un-^ 
easy look on his face. Observing that they have gone, 

14 



A TEXAS RANGER 

however, he breathes a sigh of relief, mops his brow 
and sinks down on chair up R. Fielding and Manson 
e7iter from hotel, tip L., just as horses' hoofs are 
heard, off L., mingled with voices. Fielding and 
Manson up l., their heads together, talk in low tones. 
Enter, down l., Richard Granville and his daugh- 
ter, Tess.) 
Lane. Howdy, Dick ! Howdy, Tess ! 

{At the sound of voices Fielding looks up, sees who it is, 
then winks slyly at Manson.) 

Granville. Howdy, Tom ! 

Tess. Have we any mail, Mr. Lane? 

Granville. Here's hoping you say yes. 

Lane (fumping up). I think you got a right smart lot. 

I'll see. 
Granville. I want some tobacco. I'll go with you. 

(^Exeunt Lane and Granville into store, up r.) 

(Tess strolls to bench down r., where she sits and dusts 
off her shoes with a Jumdkerchief. Fielding, with 
another wink at Manson, strolls down and joins her. 
Manson leans against post of the sign, l., a7id lights a 
cigarette.) 

Fielding. Good-afternoon. 

Tess {looking up). Oh— good -afternoon. 

Fielding. Miss Granville, might I presume to ask a favor 
of you ? 

Tess {surprised). A favor, Mr. Fielding? {He nods.) 
Why — yes — I — I suppose you might. 

Fielding. I understand Sam Hardy, your father's fore- 
man, has quit. Is that true? 

Tess. Yes, but I fail to see how 

Fielding. Just a moment. I'll explain. You see, I want 
the job. 

Tess. You— want — the job ? (She is surprised.) 

Fielding. Yes. I'd make your father a good man. 

Tess. But my father is employing the men, Mr. Fielding. 
Why do you come to me ? 

Fielding. Well — you've known me a long time — and 
I {Pause.) 

Tess. Quite true, I have. 

15 



A TEXAS RANGER 

Fielding. You've been listenin' to some one who has a 

grudge against me. 
Tess. That is not true. 

Fielding (anxiously). What have you heard ? 
Tess. I don't see how that enters into the case. 
Fielding. But it does. If some one's been tellin* you 

things against me, I've a right to know it. 
Tess. Perhaps — but you shall not know from me ! 
Fielding (displeased'). Is that fair, Miss Granville? 
Tess (her head in the air). Mr. Fielding, you've no right 

to question my motives ! 
Fielding. Then you won't say a good word for me to 

your father? 
Tess. Is that what you wanted me to do? 
Fielding. Partly, yes. He listens to you, and if you told 

him I was a worthy successor to Hardy, why, it's a 

cinch he'd give me the job. 
Tess. It wouldn't make the slightest difference unless he 

had confidence in you himself. 
Fielding. But you'll try ? 
Tess. No. You're a man. I'm going to let you fight 

your own battles. 
Fielding. What have I ever done to you ? 
Tess. Nothing. It's what you have done to others. 

(^Goes c.) 
Fielding (following her). What do you mean ? 
Tess. I don't care to continue the discussion. I only con- 
sented to listen because I knew you when you were 

different. 
Fielding (leering at her). So you think I've changed ? 
Tess. I know you have. (Starts up stage.) And now, 

please 

Fielding (in front of her). Just a moment. 

Tess (indignantly). Mr. Fielding ! 

Fielding. Oh, I'm not goin' to hurt you. But I want 

you to explain what you said. 

Tess. There is nothing to explain. Please (Pause.) 

Fielding. I suppose you're like all the others. Some 

one's told you I was rustlin' cattle. (She is silent.) 

Did some one tell you that ? 
Tess. Yes. 

Fielding (with a sneer). I thought so. And you be- 
lieved it ! 

i6 



A TEXAS RANGER 

Tess. I hope it isn't true. And now, please let me pass. 

(At this juncture Billy Driscoll strolls slowly /«, up l., 
noftchalatitly puffing a cigarette. Manson sizes him ///, 
and Billy coolly returns his stare. He strolls o?i by 
Manson, and reaches the center of the stage just as 
Tess passes Fielding and hurries to store, up r. They 
almost collide. Billy sweeps off his hat and bows.^ 

Billy. I beg your pardon I 

(Tess inclines her head, starts up c, hut cannot refrain 
from throwing a glance over her shoulder. Billy 
smiles and stands looking after her. Fielding, be- 
hind Billy, tries to get past him to follow Tess, but, 
apparefitly by accident, as Fielding starts one way, he 
finds Billy, his back still toward him, blocking his 
path. He tries it two or three times, grows angry 
and finally, as Billy still stands looking after Tess, 
Fielding lays a heavy hand on his shoulder.) 

Fielding {angrily). Say ! 

(Billy turns so quickly he almost boivls Fielding over. 
With the same movement, he has made a quick *■ * draw ' * 
of his revolver, the muzzle of which he no7v holds 
against Fielding's body as they glare at each other. 
Tess runs up r., where she stands anxiously watching.) 

Billy {coolly). Well! 

Fielding {with a scowl). I guess you don't know who 

I am ! 
Billy. No — who are you ? 
Fielding. Never mind. Take that gun away ! 
Billy. Why? 

Fielding {betiveen clenched teeth). Because I tell you to ! 
Billy. Regular little spitfire, aren't you ? 
Fielding. Take that gun away ! 
Billy. What assurance have I that you'll behave? 
Fielding. Is it any affair of yours? 
Billy. Perhaps not — but I'm making it so. 
Fielding. I'd advise you not to go too far. 
Billy. Look here, my friend, I don't need your advice. 

I don't know everything, but I'm wise to you and your 

17 



A TEXAS BANGER 

kind. You're the little village cut- up — the bully who 
totes a gun around, looking for a chance to draw it. 

Fielding. I haven't anything on you there — you drew 
your gun. 

Billy. Because you became unduly familiar with my per- 
son. (Manson, who has been ivatching the two, now 
begins to Jinger his gun as if he is going to take a 
hand, Billy sees him.') Take your hand off that 
gun! 

Manson {flaring up). Who says so? 

Billy {to Fielding). The minute he draws there'll be a 
hole through you — and I'll get him, too ! 

Fielding. Don't draw, Dave — at least, not now. 

(Allows his hand to fall away fr 0771 his revolver.) 

Billy. Thanks. Funny how some people are always look- 
ing for trouble, isn't it? 

Fielding. There's going to be a lot of trouble soon — for 
some one. 

Billy. If you mean me, speak right out. I like trouble. 
It's the backbone of my existence. When's this trouble 
liable to come off? 

Fielding {with a growl). Sooner than you expect. 

Billy. Well, it can't come too soon to suit me ! 

{They glare at each other. Granville a7id Lane enter 
from store, up r. Tess runs to her father.) 

Granville. Eh? What's the matter, Tess? 
Tess. Oh, nothing, father, I 

{There is a pause. She looks at Bili.y and ¥ielt>ii<ig. At 
the sound of their voices Billy sheathes his gu7i, a7id he 
and Fielding, still eyeing each other, fall apart.) 

Lane. Sorry there wasn't more mail, Dick. 

Granville. That's all right. {He a7id Tess come down, L.) 

I reckon if we got all our mail just when we wanted it, 

we wouldn't want it half so bad. {Sees Fielding.) 

Howdy, Mort ! 
Fielding {sulle7ily). Howdy, Mr. Granville. 
Billy {looking at ///w suddenly). Is your name Granville? 
Granville {regarding hitn coolly). That's my name, sir. 

What can I do for you ? 

i3 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Billy (r. c). If you're Richard Granville, of Circle A, 

I've a letter for you. 
Granville. I'm Granville of Circle A, all right. Who's 

the letter from ? 
Billy. It will explain itself. 

{Hands it to him. Granville tears it open and reads. ^ 

Granville {looking ttp). So you're from the Bar K outfit ? 

Billy. Yes, sir. 

Granville. How long had you worked for Roger King ? 

Billy. Let's see — it was four years last spring. 

Granville. Ride all the way here ? 

Billy. Every mile, sir. 

Granville. Where's your horse ? 

Billy {Jerking his thumb l.). Down the street. He 

needed food, drink and rest, so 1 hired a boy to take 

care of him. 
Granville. King says in this letter that you've given 

satisfaction, and that you're capable of holding down 

any sort of a job around an outfit. 
Billy. It was good of old man Roger to say that. 
Granville. I need a foreman. Do you want to work for 

me ? 
Billy. Terms being satisfactory, T don't mind. 
Granville. Good. You may be the very man I want. 

Er {Turns.') This, Driscoll, is my daughter, 

Tess. 
Billy {bowing). I am glad to know Miss Granville. 
Tess {returning the bow). And I to know you. 

{She extends her hand. Billy takes it and holds it a mo- 
ment too loftg, when J with a blush, she withdraws it.) 

Granville {indicating Fielding, who has remained down 
R.). And this is Mr. Fielding. 

Billy {staring coolly). Yes — I met Mr. Fielding a few mo- 
ments ago. 

Fielding. Yes — he met me a few moments ago. 

{They glare at each other.) 

Granville. Well, come into the store, Driscoll. If we 
can arrange the terms, you can go out to the ranch to- 
night. 

19 



A TEXAS RANGER 

(Billy nodSf and they start up toward the store. ) 

Tess. Daddy, I'm going to ride over to Polly Hinton's. I 
think I'll find Bobby there. 

Granville. That's where he spends most of his time. It 
might be a profitable move to take Polly out to Circle 
A. I can't get any work out of that boy as long as she's 
in town. 

Tess {Jaughing). You forget — you were a boy once your- 
self. 

Granville. Yes, I reckon I was. Well, if you're ready 
to go home before I catch you, come back and let me 
know. 

(Tess nods and runs off r. Granville and Billy exeunt 
to store up r. Lane sits on bench down R., ^?2^/ Man- 
son joms Fielding down l. There is a sound of 
hoofs, R., receding.^ 

Fielding (Jo Manson). Did you hear what he said ? 

Manson. Yes. Who is he, anyway ? 

Fielding. I heard Granville call him Driscoll. 

Manson. Come here from Bar K, he said. 

Fielding. Forty miles ! That's a right smart ride. (^Im- 
patiently.') And he had to butt in just as I was playin* 
up strong for that job at Granville's. 

Manson. Looks like Driscoll will be foreman now. 

Fielding. No doubt of that, I reckon. 

Manson. Why didn't you resent it when he spoke to you 
the way he did ? 

Fielding. Resent it ? With his gun against my side ? 
Talk sense 1 

Manson. Well, the question is, what we goin' to do now ? 

Fielding. We're goin' to get this guy, Driscoll, if it's the 
last act of our lives. Let him go out to Granville's. 
Then we know where he is when we want him. And 
when the time comes^ — well, come on inside. I'll tell 
you what I'm going to do — also how we'll get those 
steers to-night. 

{They go up l. a7id exeu?it into hotel. By this time Lane has 
nodded himself to sleep on the bench. As he sits there 
Euphremia enters L., sees him^ clasps her hands in de- 
light, and moves over toward him, the?t, leaning over^ 
calls in a screechy sort of voice.) 

20 



A TEXAS RANGER 

EuPHREMiA. Oh, Mr. Lane ! Mr. L-a-a-ne ! 

Lane {stirring). Eh ? ( Opens his eyes and looks around.^ 

Where's that cat ? 
EuPHREMiA (Jft the same tone). Oh, Mr. Lane ! 
Lane {seeing her). Excuse me ! {^Jumps up.) 
EuPHREMiA {Jiands clasped). Oh, Mr. Lane, you don't 

know how happy you've made me 1 
Lane. Happy ? What are you talkin' about. Miss Wilson ? 
EuPHREMiA {giggling). As if you didn't know ! 
Lane. No — honest, I don't. {He edges toward the store.) 
EuPHREMiA (catchi?ig him by the hand). Don't go — I — I 

accept I 
Lane (^nervously). Accept ? You accept what ? 
EuPHREMiA {giggling). You ! 

{She sinks on bench down r.) 

Lane {startled). Me? Great Scott! Has it come to 

this ? 
EuPHREMiA. You've made me so happy. My heart's all 

a-flutter now. 

Lane. I — I don't know what you mean — I {Pause.) 

EuPHREMiA. Yes, you do. You're too bashful. No wonder 

you couldn't ask me yourself. 
Lane {terrified). Ask you? Ask you what? 
EuPHREMiA. Why, to marry you, of course. 
Lane. Gad ! 
EuPHREMiA. But your friend, Mr. Shrunk, did very well. 

One would almost have thought he was in love with me 

himself ! 
Lane. Did that scoundrel — er — {catching himself) I 

mean, what did he say to you ? 
Euphremia. He said you asked him to ask me to be yours. 
Lane. Gad ! 
Euphremia. And I — well, I told him I'd always loved 

you. Oh, you've made me so happy ! 

{She pulls him to her. He struggles y but she finally gets 
her arms about his neck^ tilts his face up, and kisses 
him.) 

Lane. I didn't say it — T didn't say it ! 
Euphremia. You didn't say what, dearie? 

21 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Lane. I— er — that is, 1 mean, it's too bad I couldn't have 
told you myself. 

{Looks toward store and begins to edge away again.^ 

EuPHREMiA. Then you do love me ? 
Lane. Ves, yes — oh, yes ! 

{Makes a sudden dart for the store, up r.) 

EuPHREMiA {followitig). Wait, Thomas ! I've something 

more to tell you. 
Lane. Wait, nothin* — this ain't no place fer me ! 

{Exit Lane into store up r. Exit Euphremia after him. 
As they go hoofs are heard off r. approaching, fol- 
lowed by laughter and cries of '' Whoa /" etc. Tess, 
Bobby Granville and Polly Hinton enter r.) 

Tess. You're a pair of sly ones, all right. 

Polly. We didn't see you — honest, we didn't. 

Bobby. No, we didn't — cross my heart. 

Tess. When I went in the front gate, you two sneaked out 
the back, jumped on your horses and came down the 
street pell-mell. Now, 'fess up, Polly — didn't you? 

{They come doivn l.) 

Polly. Well, Tess, I 

{She is interrupted by a commotion up r. near the store^ 
and Lane comes tearitig in up r., at a break fieck speed.) 

Bobby {as Lane almost topples him over). Hey ! What's 

the matter with you ? 
Lane. Don't stop me — I'm runnin' from the Old Nick ! 

{He exits, running l., almost colliding with Shrunk, who 
enters l. at the same moment, and who stands staring 
after him open-mouthed.) 

Tess. Well, what do you make of that ? 

{Before any one has time to answer, Euphremia runs 
ifi up R., and looks r. and la.) 

Euphremia {panting from her exertions'). Which way did 
he go ? 

22 



A TEXAS RANGER 

Bobby. He? Who? (^Winks at the girls.) 
EuPHREMiA (looking L.). There he goes — there he goes ! 
Oh, Thomas ! 

(She starts L. Shrunk turns y sees her coming, and tries 
awkwardly to get out of her way. They seesaw back 
and forth a moment, then both start in the same direc- 
tion, and EuPHREMiA suddenly finds herself in his 
arms.^ 

Shrunk. Euphremy ! 
EuPHKEMiA. Vou wretch ! Let me go ! 
Shrunk. Why, 1 ain't a-holdin' you. 
EuPHREMiA. You are ! You are ! 
Shrunk. No, I ain't — you're holdin' me. 
EuPHREMiA (looking off L.). Oh, it's too late — it's too 
late — he's gone ! I feel so faint ! 

(She releases herself, but staggers and falls back in his arms. 
He almost drops her, but secures his equilibrium after 
a mo?ne7it.^ 

Shrunk (to the others). Help — quick — she's fainted ! 

Bobby. She hasn't fainted. She's fooling you. 

Shrunk. You're wrong, Bobby — she's dead to the world ! 

Get some water — quick I 
Bobby (approachifig). Pshaw ! You don't know women 

like 1 do. 
Shrunk. Mebbe I know 'em all 1 want to. 
Bobby. They say when a woman faints the best thing to 

bring her to is the point of a pin. Let's see if it will 

work. 
Shrunk (anxiously). No — no — don't stick her ! 
Bobby (making believe he has taken a pi7i from the collar 

of his shirt). It won't hurt her if she's really fainted. 

Now, watch me ! 

(He bends over as though about to prick her. She screams 
and Jumps out of Shrunk' s arms.) 

Euphremia (angrily). If you'd stuck me, Bobby Gran- 
ville, do you know what I'd have done? 

Bobby (to Shrunk, laughing). See? She heard every 
word we said. 

Euphremia. You're a bad young man, and if you don't 
mend your ways you'll be a disgrace to the community. 

23 



A TEXAS RANGER 

Bobby. Maybe I shall, but one thing is sure — I'm not as 
anxious to get married as some people 1 know of. 

(She glares at htntf and he laughs and rejoins the girls, 

dow?i L.) 

EuPHREMiA {to Shrunk). I don't like him. 

Shrunk (drily). Somehow I'd formed the impression you 

didn't. 
EuPHREMiA (^suddenly recollecting). Oh, I forgot! 

Thomas, Thomas — oh, Thomas ! 

(She picks up her skirts afid runs hurriedly off l.) 

Shrunk (looking after her). Well, I've lived forty years 
in this vale of tears, but woman's the biggest mystery 
I've discovered yet. 

(He ambles slowly up r. to store. ) 

Bobby (calling after hijn). Never mind, Mr. Shrunk — 

perhaps you'll win her yet. 
Shrunk. Shucks, Bobby, she's got her heart set on Tom 

Lane — ain't no chanct fer me — not a chanct, 

(Exit into store, up r., shaking his head.) 

Tess. I wonder why daddy's so long ? 

(Goes up R., and peers into store.) 

Bobby (to Polly). Let's sneak off again. 

Polly. No — we mustn't. Your father will be here in a 

minute — and what would he think ? 
Bobby (proudly). I don't care what he thinks — I'm my 

own master now. (Swells out his chest. ) , 
Polly. I don't like you when you swell up that way. 
Bobby. How's this, then? (Draws in his chest.) 
Polly. Don't be foolish. 

(Both laugh.) 

Tess (at door of store). Oh, daddy ! 

Granville (i?iside). In a moment, Tess. 

Bobby. Come on, Polly — let's run away. 

Polly. No, I tell you — no ! 

Tess (to her father). We're ready to go home. 

Granville. I'll be right out. 

Tess (rejoining 'Qo^m and Voiajv, h.). He'll be right out, 

24 



A TEXAS SANGER 

Bobby. I wish I lived in town. 

Tess. I'll tell you, Bobby — we'll take Polly home with us, 

if she'll go. 
Bobby. Great ! Let's ask her. 
Polly. You mustn't ask me. I'd dearly love to, but I 

can't. 
Bobby. Of course you can. 
Tess. We'll bring you back to-morrow. 
Polly. I couldn't go without asking mother. 
Tess. We'll ride by your house. 
Bobby. Say yes, Polly. 
Polly. If mother says I may, I'll go. 

(Granville comes otit of store, followed by Billy. Talk- 
ing, they advance down l. to the others.') 

Granville. Then it's settled. You take charge to- 
morrow. 

Billy. That's agreeable to me. 

Granville. Tess, Mr. Driscoll is to be our new foreman. 

Tess {extending her hand). I'm delighted, Mr. Driscoll. 

Billy {bowing over her hand). The pleasure is all mine, 
I assure you. 

Tess. Let me introduce Miss Hinton. {They bow.) And 
my brother, Bobby. 

Billy {shaking hands). Glad to know you, Bobby. 

Bobby {with enthusiasm). And say — I'm glad to know 
you. Mr. Driscoll looks like the real thing, dad. 

Billy {laughing). Oh, well, now, as to that 

Granville {laughing). Boy, that's why I engaged him. 
{To Billy.) Won't you ride out with us now? 

Billy. Not now. I've some matters to attend to in town. 

Tess {anxiously, going to him). Not — not with Mr. Field- 
ing? 

Billy. Not if he leaves me alone. (7^ Granville.) I'll 
ride out to Circle A to-night, and be ready for duty in 
the morning. 

Granville. All right. So long. 

Billy. So long, sir. 

(The others call '' Good-bye,^* etc., as Granville, Tess, 
Bobby and Polly go r. and exeufit. Bili-y looks after 
them until their ho of -beats begin to grow faint. Shrunk 
comes out of store ^ r., a7id sits on bench, r. Billy 
strolls up to him, rolling a cigarette.) 

25 



A TEXAS EANGEB 

Shrunk. Pleasant afternoon, ain't it ? 

Billy. Yes. 

Shrunk. Stranger hereabouts, ain't yuh ? 

Billy. I suppose you might call me that. Er — got a 

match ? 
Shrunk. Shouldn't be s'prised if 1 have. (^Fumbles in his 

pocket and gives him one. Billy lights his cigarette.) 

What's your business ? 
Billy. I have none — at present. To-morrow I'm going to 

work for Mr. Granville. 
Shrunk {opening his eyes). Is that so ? Foreman, eh ? 
Billy. Yes. Er — tell me — Granville's had quite a time 

keeping his foremen lately, hasn't he ? 
Shrunk. Yep — I believe he has. 
Billy. What's the trouble? 
Shrunk. Well, it ain't nothin' he's done to 'em — I can 

swear to that, fer no better white man ever lived. 
Billy. I thought as much. 
Shrunk. I only know what I hear, Mr. — er — Mr. 

{Pause.) 

Billy. DriscoU — Billy DriscoU. 

Shrunk. Glad to know yuh. My name's Shrunk. Well, 

I hear 'at some one's enticed them foremen away. Yuh 

know Granville's lost a good many cattle lately. 
Billy. Lost them ? How ? 
Shrunk (wisely). Weil, p'r'aps it ain't fer me to say. 

They jest disappeared. 
Billy. Rustlers ? 
Shrunk. I reckon so. 
Billy. Any one suspected ? 
Shrunk. That's a pretty ticklish question. I oughter know 

ye better afore I discuss such things. 
Billy {looking about quickly). See here, I've heard about 

you, Mr. Shrunk — I believe I can trust you. 
Shrunk {interested). You bet you can. 
Billy. Well — I'm a ranger ! 
Shrunk {surprised). A ranger? I thought you said 

{Pause.) 

Billy. That I'm going to work for Mr. Granville — and I 
am, but that's only a blind. I'm here by the gov- 
ernor's orders to break up cattle rustling on the border. 
Read that. {Hands him letter. ) 

26 



A TEXAS BANGER 

(Shrunk reads and hands it hack!) 

Shrunk. That's authority enough for me. When the 
gov'ner puts his fist on that sort of a dockyment, you 
can count on me to go the limit. 

Billy. 1 thouglu as much. Now, quickly, for we're apt 
to be disturbed — who are the suspects in this vicinity ? 

Shrunk. Well, there ain't no proof o' nothin', but the 
impression's got around 'at Mort Fielding's had a 
mighty powerful hand in it. 

Billy. Does Granville suspect him? 

Shkunk. Nope — but he's about the only man who don't. 
Dick seems to like Fielding — claims 'at while he's a 
bad ^gg he wouldn't do nothin' like that. But I 
reckon Dick don't know Mort as well as he thinks he 
does. 

Billy. Anything else ? 

Shrunk. Ain't much more to say. This feller Manson 
you see hoverin' 'round Fielding all the time's kind of 
a first lieutenant. Mort plans an' Dave executes the 
orders. There's been considerable stock missin' from 
time to time, but there ain't no one prepared to say 
who's who, or what's what. 

Billy. Your sheriff — where is he? 

Shrunk. Ain't got no more backbone 'an a snake. He 
don't even show his face when Fielding's around. 

Billy. I see — well, just forget what I've told you — mum's 
the word 1 

Shrunk. I gotcha — my mouth is closed. 

Billy. Later, I may (^Listens,) Sh ! Some one's 

coming. 

(Billy assumes a nonchalant pose^ ptiffing at his cigarette. 
Pepita enterSf r. At the same 7Jioment Fielding and 
Manson enter from hotel, up l., ajidmove down stage.) 

Pepita. Ah ! I have found you at last. 

{Runs to Fielding.) 

Fielding {turning ofi her, savagely). What are you doing 

here? 
Pepita. I need money, sefior — my mother, she is ver' sick. 
Fielding. I've nothing more for you. Now, get away 

and don't come back. 

27 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Pepita. But you promise to care for us — you say some day 

you will marry me. 
Fielding. Shut up ! Don't let any one hear you. 
Pepita. If you forsake me, senor, I don't care if the 

whole world shall hear. 
Fielding. Get out, I say — Pm through with you ! 
Pepita (/« a trettibling voice). No, no, seiior — no, no ! 

{She places one hand on his arm. He shakes it roughly off^ 
pushes her to the ground^ and seizing a quirt which is 
hanging on his belty raises it over her.) 

'^\\AN {cover ingYiYX-Vii^Q with his revolver). Stop! (Field- 
ing /^^<!i"<?i", hand upraised.) Drop that quirt. 

(Fielding glares at him, but obeys y scowUtig darkly.) 

Fielding. This isn't your affair. 

Billy (adva?icing slowly toward him). I'm making it my 

affair. 
Fielding. I've had about enough of your interference for 

one day. {^His hand 7noves slowly toward his belt.) 
Billy. Throw up your hands ! 

{There is a slight pause, then Fielding obeys.) 

Manson {with a swagger). Looky here, Mr. Stranger I 
Billy {whipping out his other revolver and covering him). 
You, too ! 

(Manson slowly raises his hands.) 

Fielding. Get out o' here, Dave — this is my quarrel. 

And, remember — Hapham's Ford at sundown ! 
Manson. I'll remember. 

( With a glance at Billy, Manson turns and hurries off, l. 
Billy returns one of the guns to his belt.) 

Fielding {to Billy). Now, what is it you want? 

Billy. First apologize to the girl. 

Fielding. Girl? Apologize? Say, do you know who 

she is? 
Billy. I don't know and I don't care. She's a woman — 

that's enough for me ! 

Fielding. But 

Billy. Beg her pardon ! 

28 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Fielding (fo Pepita, wi^h bad grace). I — beg — your — 
pardon ! {^He turns to Billy and snarls.) Is that 
all? 

Billy. No. In the future you're to leave her alone, ex- 
cept to give her what's her due. I'm going to be 
around this place for some time, and I'll undertake to 
see that you don't abuse her again. 

Fielding {^glancing uneasily off, l., as if anxious to be off). 
All right — I agree. Now, let me go I 

Billy (^his suspicions aroused by Fielding's manner). Go? 
Why are you so anxious to go? 

Fielding. It's a business matter, and it's important. 
Didn't you hear me tell my friend I'd meet him at 
Hapham's Ford at sundown ? I've got to be there ! 

Billy. Well, just forget what you've told your friend. I 
don't know what's supposed to happen at Hapham's 
Ford at sundown, but whatever it is, it will happen 
without you. Now, get into the hotel there, and if you 
make a false move, you'll eat lead ! 

{Keeping him covered, Billy backs him up l. info the hotels 
while Shrunk laughs immoderately at Fielding's dis* 
comfiture.) 



curtain 



29 



ACT II 

SCENE. — Room m Granville's house at Circle A. Two 
weeks have ehipsed. Door up L. at back. A long, 
loiv window extends from C, at back, well across 
toward r. Do7vn stage, C. , is a big table and several 
chairs. R. is a huge old-fashioned fireplace, below 
which is a settee. Up R., bey ojid fireplace, is a door. 
Another door down L. leads to another part of the 
house, 

(At rise of curtain Lane, Shrunk and Euphremia drive 
up outside in wagon, and can be seen through window 
as they alight. If not practical on account of the size 
of stage they may ?nerely pass the windoiv from R. The 
door at back stands open, but Lane knocks on the sill. 
Tess enters, l., and greets them.') 

Tess (delighted). Well, well, well I 
Lane. Howdy ! 

(There is a babel of voices as they enter. Granville 
enters, L., and joins in the greetings. They shake 
hands all around and finally sit, r.) 

Granville. We're glad you haven't forgotten us. 

Lane (with a quick glance at Shrunk). Well, yuh see, it 

was this way. Euphremia says to me, she says 

Euphremia. No, Tommy — you said to me (Pause.) 

Lane. Er — I says to Euphremy, I says, " We'd better 

take a ride in my buckboard — we ain't been out to 

Dick Granville's in a dog's age." 

Euphremia. Then Mr. Shrunk says 

Shrunk. I says, " I guess I better go 'long to see 'at you 

children behave," so I hopped in, too. 
Lane. What's this I hear 'bout some one tryin' to run off 

some more o* your cattle? 
Granville. It happened three nights ago, and if it hadn't 

been for Driscoll, I reckon they'd have succeeded. 
Shrunk. 'Pears to me DriscoU's 'bout filled the bill as a 

foreman fer you, Dick. 

30 



A TEXAS RANGER 

Granville. Yes — he has. 
Tess. He's just splendid ! 
Shrunk {looking keenly at her). Eh? Where did you 

get on ? 
Tess {suddenly e^nbarrassed over her display of eiithusiasni), 

I — oh — I {Pause — she turfis away.~) 

Shrunk. Well, well, I didn't know it had got that far. 
Tess. I don't know what you're talking about. Come, 

Euphremia — I've a new dress to show you — the most 

wonderful creation I've ever had. 

{She goes l.) 

Euphremia. A new dress? Oh, that's a sure sign you've 
caught a beau. {Follows Tess to door, l.) You be 
careful, Thomas, while I'm gone. 

Lane {drawlifig). Oh — all — right ! 

{Exeunt Tess and Euphremia, l.) 

Granville. I've been hearing some reports about you, 

Tom — seems like there's plenty of foundation, too. 
Lane. Oh, I don't know ! 

Shrunk. Yes, yuh do — yuh know what I told yuh. 
Lane. I'm everlastin' tired o' what you've told me. 

Some o' these days I'm goin* to kick over the .traces — 

and when I do, you watch out. 
Shrunk. Yuh can't skeer me. I set out to see justice 

done, an' I ain't loafin' on the job. 
Granville. What's all this? 
Lane. Oh — nothin'. 

{Throws Shrunk a glance, meaning for him to hush!) 

Shrunk. Yuh see, it was this way, Dick — Tom falls in 
love with Euphremy last spring, an* leads her on 

Lane (vigorously). I didn't. 

Shrunk {paying no attention). Euphremy returns his af- 
fection. Then Tom goes out to El Paso to a conven- 
tion an' meets a girl from Fort Worth. He ain't been 
able tuh git her out o' his head since. 

Lane. Ain't a word o* truth in that. 

Shrunk. Then t steps in to see 'at Euphremy gits justice. 

Granville. I see. 

31 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Shrunk. That's why I come out here to-day. I been ex- 
pectin' the first time Tom takes Euphremy out ridin* 
alone, he'll dump her down some gully, an' hike fer 
Fort Worth, an' we won't never see him no more. 

Lane. You're a durn fool ! What'd 1 do with my store? 

Shrunk. What's a store got to do with it, when an ole 
sucker like you falls in love with a giddy young girl ? 

Lane {wrafliful/y, rising). Look here — I ain't no ole 
sucker — you — you — insignificance ! 

Shrunk (^rising). Cut out the names — I won't stand fer 
no such talk. 

Lane {shaking his fist). You'll stand fer more'n that if 
yuh don't let this Euphremy business rest. 

Shrunk. I'll let it rest when the minister says she's yourn 
fer keeps — an* not before. 

Lane. You'll keep your fingers out o' my affairs from now 
on — that's what you'll do. 

Shrunk. I'll see justice done — that's what I'll do. 

Lane. To thunder with your justice ! 

Shrunk. Now, see here, Tom 

Lane. I won't ! 

{They begin to argue ^;/^ Granville, laughing, gets between 

them.) 

Granvuxe. Listen, boys — this is a secret — I've got some- 
thing to show you in the dining-room. 

( Their faces gradually clear , they firially smile, the smile 
broadens into a laugh, and the trio, crossing R. , exeunt. 
As they go Bobby and Polly ruft in at back, he in pur- 
suit of her. They go back and forth around table^ 
pantitig fro7n their exertions.) 

Bobby. I'll have a kiss, or {Pause.) 

Polly. Or — what ? 

Bobby. Well, I'll show you! 

Polly {taunting him). Well — show me ! 

{The chase is resumed, Polly ahvays keeping just out of 
his reach. Bobby finally flops down in a chair L. of 
table and gives up. Polly sits on sofa, R.) 

Bobby. I don't believe I want you — you give me too much 
trouble. 

32 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Polly (Jaughiiig^. I ought to be worth a lot of trouble. 

Bobby. Well — that depends. 

Polly. On what ? 

Bobby. On how much you'd look after my comfort when 

we were married. 
Polly. Married ? Aren't you a little premature? 
Bobby. Oh, no — we're going to be married, all right. 
Polly. Oh, we are ? Did it ever occur to you that 1 might 

have something to say about that ? 
Bobby. You'll say, " Yes," — that's what you'll say about 

that. 
Polly. Well, of all the self-assurance, yours is the limit, 

Bobby Granville. 
Bobby. Dad always said I was the limit. 
Polly. Well — he was certainly right ! 
Bobby. Well, you will marry me, won't you ? 
Polly. No ! 
Bobby. Are you saying "no" just because I said you'd 

say "yes" ? 
Polly. No — Pm saying "no" because I want to say 

"no." 
Bobby. But won't you please say " yes " because I want 

you to say " yes"? 
Polly. No. You're too sure things are coming the way 

you want them. 
Bobby. So you'd cut off your nose to spite your face? 
Polly. Yes — any day in the week. 
Bobby. Well, I was only fooling. 
Polly. I don't believe you. You meant every word you 

said. You think all you have to do is look at a girl 

and she'll fall at your feet. 
Bobby. No, I don't — honest, I don't. 
Polly. You do ! 

Bobby. No — cross my heart. Polly, will you marry me ? 
Polly {laughing). That's no way to ask me. 
Bobby. It's the best way I know. 
Polly. You're so funny I {Still laughs.') 
Bobby. Don't laugh — this isn't funny to me. 
Polly {laughing harder). Well, it is to me. 
Bobby. Be serious, can't you? 
Polly. No — I can't. 

Bobby. But you were very serious a few minutes ago. 
Polly. That was when you were laughing. 



A TEXAS RANGER 

Bobby. Do you mean to say that you laugh when I'm 

serious, and are serious when I laugh ? 
Polly. It looks that way. You wouldn't care for those 

traits in a wife, I'm sure. 
Bobby {seizing her hand). Oh, Polly, I'll admit it — I'd 

want you if you were an old hag instead of — of 

{Pause,') 

Polly. Well, instead of what ? 
Bobby. A minx ! 

{He laughs — she pouts and tosses her head.) 

Polly. Well, that settles it. 
Bobby {alarmed). Why — what's the matter? 
Polly. It's no use for you to ask me to marry you after 
that — I won't. 

(Bobby moves over to sofa.) 

Bobby. Never ? 

Polly. Well, maybe. Not for a long time, anyway. 

Bobby. When ? 

Polly. Well — when Miss Euphremia Wilson is married, 

I'll think about it, not before. 
Bobby. Polly ! 

{He tries to put his arm around her ^ and she slips away 

from him.) 

Polly. No, sir ! 

{Enter Tess and Euphremia, l. Bobby and Polly sepa- 
rate ^ embarrassed. They go up r., talking.) 

Euphremia {clasping her hands). Isn't it grand to be in 

\ove ? 
Tess. I'm sure I don't know anything about it. 
Euphremia. Haven't you ever been in love with any one? 
Tess {down l.). No. 

Bobby. Oh, come, sis, how about Billy Driscoll? 
Tess. Hush, Bobby ! 
Bobby. You know you said — 
Tess. If you say another word I'll tell your father. 

34 



A TEXAS RANGER 

Bobby. Oh, you're always holding that over my head. 

(Billy appears in door at back, fro7n r.) You know 

you said Billy DriscoU was the handsomest man you'd 

ever seen. 
Billy. Who said that about Billy DriscoU ? 
Bobby {with a start). Gee! I didn't know you were 

there ! 

(Billy bows to Euphremia. Tess, embarrassed^ turns 
away. The others look at her and laugh.) 

Billy. How's every one? (^Comes down, c.) 

Tess. All right, Mr. DriscoU. {To Bobby.) Now, run 

along, Bobby, and you, too, PoUy. 
Polly {to Bobby). Of course, she wants to get rid of us 

now ! 
Bobby {to Tess). Shan't we take Miss Wilson with us? 

Tess. Bobby, if you say another word, VW 

Bobby. You'll say a few words back. I know ! That's 

because you're a woman. You see, Pve been studying 

Polly. 
Polly. Well, I like that. 

{She chases him out the door, back.) 

Billy. What was Bobby talking about ? 

Tess. Oh, it was just some of his nonsense, Mr. DriscoU. 
You've been here long enough to know Bobby. He 
and PoUy were displeased when Euphremia and I 
caught them ( Crosses, r. ) 

Billy. Caught them {Pause.) 

Euphremia {with a giggle). Well, he had his arm around 
her. 

Billy. Oh, well, you know that's the way with young 
people — it's been so ever since the world began. 

Euphremia. Are you an expert on the subject of love- 
making, Mr. DriscoU ? 

Billy. Me ? Good land, no ! What put that into your 
head ? 

Euphremia. Oh, I just thought — weU, that is, I — I 

{Pause.) 

Billy. What made you think I was an expert on the sub- 
ject of love, Miss Wilson ? 

35 



A TEXAS BANGER 

EuPHREMiA (Jo Tess). Should I tell ? 

Tess. By all means — Mr. DiiscoU seems anxious to know. 

EupHREMiA. Well, because — because you have such a kiss- 
able mouth ! 

Billy. What ! (J7i? draws back at the unexpectedtiess of 
her answer. She giggles, Tess laughs heartily, and 
after a moment Billy catches the spirit of it, too.) 
That's the best I've heard yet. Do you know, Miss 
Wilson, I had never thought of my mouth except as a 
place to put certain edibles that are necessary for the 
proper nourishment of the inner man ! 

EuPHREMiA. But I'm right, Mr. Driscoll. Ask Tess. 

Billy (turning to Tess). What do you think about my 
mouth ? 

Tess. I think it's talking a little too much right now — but 
that's a habit men have. 

Billy (laughing). Some day I'm going to argue that point 
with you. 

(^His eyes throw her a challenge. She lets her own gaze 

fall.) 

(^E titer Granville, Lane ajid Shrunk, r.) 

Lane. That sure was some good story, Dick. 
Shrunk. Yep — best I ever heard. 

(^They laugh and slap each other on the back.) 

Lane (seeing Billy). Hello, Driscoll. (Comes down, c.) 

Billy. Howdy, Mr. Lane? Howdy, Mr. Shrunk? 

Shrunk (c). Poorly, thank yuh, but able to be about. 

Lane. Say, Driscoll, did yuh ever hear the story of the 
man who had a rough shave ? 

Billy. No ; I don't believe 1 ever did. 

Lane. Yuh see, a feller went into a barber shop to git a 
shave. After he'd settled intuh the chair, had his 
face soaped, and the tonsilitis artist was scrapin' away 
at high speed, the barber says: ** Mister, is this razor 
all right?" The man in the chair says : "My good 
man" — yuh know how some fellers talk to barbers 
— **my good man, if yuh hadn't mentioned it, I'd 
never 'a' known there was a razor on my face." That 
tickled the barber, and he says: ''Thank yuh, sir." 

36 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Then the feller in tlie chair says (^He pauses ^ 

laughing.) 'I'his sure is a good one ! Tiie feller in 
the chair says: ** No — I'd 'a' thought yuh was usin' a 
file." (Lane a?id Shrunk laugh immoderately. Gran- 
ville, Tess and Euphremia smile, but Billy keeps a 
straight face, as if puzzlirig over the story. After a 
moment Lane looks at him, sees his sober face and 
stops laughing.^ The barber said : " I'd 'a' thought 
yuh was usin' a file." Don't yuh git that, DriscoU? 

Billy {seriously). 1 was just wondering how the barber 
could use a file on the man's face. 

Lane. Why, he didn't use no file. The customer jest 
thought he was usin' one. 

Billy. I see. And all the time the barber was really 
using a razor ? 

Lane. That's it. Now yuh git it, don't yuh ? 

Billy. But I should have thought the file would have hurt 
the customer's face. 

Lane. Listen, Driscoll. There wa'n't no file. The bar- 
ber was usin' a razor, all right. He 

Billy. I see, and the customer got mad because he didn't 
use a file. (Jle winks slyly at Tess, who smiles.) 

Lane. No, no — yuh see, it was this way 

Shrunk. That's all right — finish it some other time. 

Lane. But 

Shrunk. Oh, come on. 

Euphremia. Yes — I suppose we should be going. 

Tess. Don't hurry. 

Granville. No. You don't get out here often. 

Euphremia. It's a delightful ride in Mr. Lane's buck- 
board — I'd enjoy it every day. 

Lane. So would I — 'specially if Jim come along. Jim's 
powerful good comp'ny. 

Billy {aside to Tess). I reckon Miss Wilson doesn't share 
his sentiments. 

Tess. No — she thinks three's a crowd. 

Shrunk. Well, good-bye. 

Lane {to Billy). Driscoll, when yuh come down to the 
store, I'll tell yuh that joke again. 

Billy. All right, Mr. Lane. I forgot to ask you how sharp 
that file was. 

Lane. It kind a dawns on me 'at you was the sharp part o' 
the story, all right. 

37 



A TEXAS BANGER 

{There is a general latighy and Lane, Shrunk and Eu- 
PHREMIA exeunt y door at back to k., calling '•'' Good-bye"*^ 
again as they pass the window.^ 

Granville {as he, Billy and Tess co7ne back into room 

and doiun R.). What's the news, Billy? 
Billy. I'm straight from the range. We haven't lost any 

cattle yet. 
Granville. Why do you say " yet " ? Think we're going 

to lose some ? 
Billy. 1 hope not. We've increased our force, and I've 

had eight men on night watch ever since I came. 
Granville. And the rustlers haven't shown themselves 

but once. 
Billy. Not openly. But I met Slim Hess, one of Frisbie's 

men, to-day. He says a pal of his overheard two men 

talking in town yesterday, and he gathered there'd 

hkely be something doing to-night. 
Granville. Do you think Frisbie's man knew what he 

was talking about? 
Billy. Well, I'm a fair judge of character, and I think he 

did. He says there's no doubt but that Mort Fielding 

is leading the gang against your herd — also that it's 

more than likely that Mort will come to the house here 

as a blind while his men run off your stock — ^just so as 

to prove an alibi in case one's needed. 
Granville. This business about Fielding's being a rustler 

is all nonsense, Billy. 
Billy. You've told me that before — but you haven't con- 
vinced me. 
Tess. Oh, I don't believe he'd do anything as desperate 

as that. 
Billy. I'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt, but — 

well, it was too plain the day 1 struck town that he had 

something crooked up his sleeve. 
Granville. What made you think that? 
Billy. Don't you remember how anxious he was to get to 

Hapham's Ford ? 
Granville. But that signifies nothing. 
Billy. It signifies a lot to me. The rustlers were due for 

a raid, but it didn't come off, because I had Fielding 

tied to a bed-post in the hotel all night. 
Granville. Was that why you wouldn't come to the ranch 

with us that day ? 

38 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Billy. Well — partly. 

Granville. You're foreman of this ranch — you've proved 
your mettle, and in most thingb, all you've got to do is 
crook your little finger to me, and I'll say, "All 
right." But this Fielding business — why, I've known 
Mort since he was a boy in school. 

Billy. To use your own words, **that signifies nothing." 

Tess. Mr. Fielding has not been a success, Mr. Driscoll, 
but he's not rustling cattle — I'm sure of that. 

Billy (smilins^). Two against one. The odds are too 
great. For the present, we'll put Mr. Fielding on the 
shelf. When we take him down again, it will be time 
for me to prove that I'm right, and you are wrong. 
(Bows.) I beg your pardon. Miss Granville. 

Tess. Oh, that's all right — only I fail to see how or where 
you will get your proof. 

( The day begins gradually to fade into sunset, the trees 
through the ivindow and open door being bathed in a 
reddish yelloiv light , turning evefttually i?ito moonlight 
as the action proceeds.) 

Granville. Well, I've an appointment in town. If a lit- 
tle deal I have goes through, Driscoll, I'll add another 
thousand cattle to my herd before 1 return. 

Billy. Go the limit. We have the men and facilities to 
care for them. 

Granville {laughi?ig). Even against Mort Fielding — eh? 

Billy. Mr. Granville, this Fielding business is not a joke. 

Granville. 1 observe that it isn't with you. Well, we'll 
drop it. See you later. And you, Tess. 

{Exit Granville, door at back to r. Billy, down R. c, 
looks after him and shakes his head.) 

Tess (down r.). Why do you shake your head that way? 

Billy. I hate to see a good man deceive himself. 

Tess. You really like my father, don't you, Mr. Driscoll ? 

Billy. I think he's one of the finest men I've met. 

Tess. I'm glad to hear you say that — for — he's all I have. 

Billy. I've — I've never asked you — but your mother — she 

is dead ? 
Tess. Yes — two years since, and you can't imagine how 

lonesome this place has been without her. 
Billy. Yes, I can. My — mother — died — too. 

39 



A TEXAS BANGER 

{He turns away, his eyes blinking.) 

Tess. I'm sorry. 

Billy {looking at her). I know you are. The — the hard- 
est part of it was that I wasn't there when she died. 

Tess. Her death came suddenly ? 

Billy. Well, there was a few days' warning, but I was out 
of reach of a message — and when I got it — she was 
gone ! 

Tess. It's too bad how few of us realize what a great thing 
a mother's love really is. 

Billy. That's right. I never did — if I had, I wouldn't 
have run away from home. 

Tess. You've never told me anything about yourself. 

Billy. There isn't much to tell. I've led a sort of aimless 
existence, wandering from place to place — that is, up 
until a year ago, when I {Pause.) 

Tess. You came here from Bar K — I heard you say that. 

Billy. Yes, Tsaid that — but 

{Pause — he turns away.) 

Tess. But what ? 

Billy. Nothing — only, some day, I shall have some things 

to tell you. 
Tess. You mean about the way you've lived ? 
Billy. Partly. And then — {significantly) I may have some 

other things to tell you, too. 
Tess {with a slight start ). Oh ! 
Billy. Oh, it's nothing bad — I haven't been an angel, but 

there's nothing I'm ashamed of. 
Tess. You didn't have to assure me of that. 
Billy. Thanks. I mean that I may not be just what I 

seem, but there's no need for any uneasiness. Only — 

I — don't like to sail under false colors — especially 

where a woman's concerned. 
Tess. False colors ? I wish you would tell me what you 

mean. 
Billy. Some time I shall. I've said more now than I 

meant to. But later you will understand why I am so 

positive in my assertions about Mort Fielding. 
Tess. You still want me to think he's utterly bad? 
Billy. I want you to know him for what he is. 

Tess. And that is 

40 



A TEXAS RANGER 

Billy. A black scoundrel ! 

Tess. I'm sure you're mistaken. 

Billy. I know what I'm talking about. You shall have 

proof. 
Tess. When ? 
Billy (coming close to her). Listen. Inside of two days 

I'll show you that Mort Fielding is one of the worst 

rascals unhung. 
Tess. Oh! (Whistle heard off.) Who's that? 

(Billy turns away just as Shrunk hurries past the win- 
doWy and pauses in the doorway, 7vhere he stands 
framed for a moment against the twilight beyond.) 

Shrunk. Glad I caught yuh. 
Billy (c). Shrunk! AVhat's up? 
Shrunk. Heaps ! Shall I speak before her ? 

(Nods towardTESii.) 
Billy. Yes. 
Shrunk. Mort Fielding's on his way to Circle A. 

(Cofnes down L.) 

Billy. What does he want ? 

Shrunk. Don't know — but I reckon he wants you. 

Tess (ivith a start). Oh ! 

Billy. How do you know this, Shrunk ? What have you 

heard ? 
Shrunk. Well, when we reached that clump o' trees below 

the house, there, hittin' along at a right smart gait, we 

met that young cowboy, Slim Hess — one of Frisbie's 

men. He'd just left town, an' says Mort Fielding was 

boastin* that he was on your trail. 
Billy. What else ? 
Shrunk. Well, Slim hung around, till it looked as if Mort 

was gittin' ready to leave, then he hurried this way. 

He was just headin' for this place when he met us. 

Somethin' told me to come back with him, so he took 

me up behind and dropped me at the gate. 
Billy. You shouldn't have come — Hess could have told me. 
Shrunk. Well, I sort o* thought yuh might need some 

help. 
Billy. I don't believe Fielding's really looking for trouble. 
Shrunk. Well — I do. 

41 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Billy. As a matter of fact, I've been expecting he'd come 
to Circle A to-night. I told Mr. Granville so. Looks 
like I made a preity good guess. 

Shrunk. 1 don't quite get you. 

Billy. Well, I saw SHm Hess myself to-day, and gathered 
from what he said there was liable to be a raid on Mr. 
Granville's herd to-night. 

Tess. Another raid? Oh, no. You must prevent it. 

Billy i^grimiing'). Don't you worry. I've had my eye on 
things. It's been brewing ever since we ran them off 
the other night. There's not much need for anxiety, 
however — I've doubled my force on the range, with a 
heavy night shift, that is alive and ready for anything. 

Shrunk. But why did you think Fielding would come 
here — to the ranch-house ? 

Billy. Why — he'll need an alibi — won't he? What bet- 
ter one could he have if he's here when the cattle are 
run off? 

Shrunk. What are you going to do ? 

Billy. Well, I had intended joinhig the boys, but I reckon 
if Mr. Fire-eater is headed this way, I'll stay here. 

Shrunk. Anything I can do — any message ? {Pause, ^ 

Billy. Yes — you can ride out and tell Dan Stover that I 
said keep a sharp lookout to-night, and try to strike first. 
You'll find a horse in the stable, with plenty of saddles 
on the wall. 

Shrunk. Good. An' say — mebbe you've got an extry gun. 

Billy. What's the use of your risking your neck ? 

Shrunk. Well, I've kinder been hankerin' after excitement 
the last few days — besides I need pistol practice to 
keep in trim. 

Billy {to Tess). Is there an extra gun around here? 

Tess. There should be several in father's room — I'll see. 

{Exitf hurriedly, L.) 

Billy. Quick, now, Shrunk — you haven't told me all. 
Shrunk. No. Fielding's sore because Tess Granville 

snubbed him. I overheard him talking to Manson. 

He says he's goin' to carry her away by force if he has 

to — but first he must get rid of you. 
Billy. That's right — first he must get rid of me. 
Shrunk. What d'yuh think of it ? 

42 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Billy. I think, Shrunk, that Mr. Fielding has undertaken 
a large contract. 

Shrunk (with an admiring glance at Billy). I kinda 
reckoned he had, myself. 

Billy. Not a word of this to Tess. 

Shrunk. I'm mum. Where's Dick? 

Billy. Gone to town. 

Shrunk. Looks like things kinda played intuh Fielding's 
hands — or would have if you hadn't been here. An' 
watch out, Billy — Fielding's a quick man on the trig- 
ger, and he's sworn to get you. Sore as thunder over 
the way you treated him the day he come to Gaucho. 

Billy. Well, I'd sized him up as the man I was sent here 
to get, and there's nothing like a first impression. 
That's why I played the bully with him, and, as you 
see, it has had its good effect. 

Shrunk. Yep, the gang's been lyin' low fer three weeks, 
except for that little sortie t'other night. 

(^Enter Tess, l., with a belt and revolver and a lighted 
lamp J which she places on table.) 

Tess. Here's one of father's Colt .44's, Mr. Shrunk. 

{Ha7ids him gun and belt, which he straps on.) 

Shrunk. Thanks — that looks good to me. Well, I'm off. 

Good luck, Driscoll — an' if anything happens to me 

to-night, well, tell Tom an' Euphremy I wish 'em luck. 
Billy. All right. But you'll have a chance to wish them 

luck yourself. 
Shrunk. Hope you're right, boy, but yuh can't always 

sometimes tell. 

{With a wave of the handy he exits at back to r.) 

Tess {to Billy). What is Mort Fielding coming here for? 
Billy. You heard what Shrunk said — Fielding's gunning 

for me. 
Tess (r. ). But you'll not stay here now. 
Billy. Won't I ? 
Tess. You must go. 
Billy. And leave you alone? 
Tess. Mr. Fielding won't hurt me. 
Billy. Well, be that as it may, when he comes I'll be 

here. 

43 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Tess. You refuse to go ? 

Billy. Yes. 

Tess. Are you afraid — of the rustlers ? 

Billy (Jaki?ig one step toward her). Afraid ! Do you think 

I'm afraid ? 
Tess. No. I beg your pardon. But your duty is with 

your men — with the cattle. 
Billy. I know my duty. It will keep me right here. 
Tess. But why ? I demand your reason. 
Billy. Because Fielding may carry you off if I don't. 
Tess. He can't — he would not dare 1 
Billy. Shrunk heard him declare he would. 
Tess. When ? 
Billy. To-day ! 
Tess {shrinking back, frightened). Oh ! 

{Sound of hoof-beats heard off , approaching.") 

Billy. Perhaps that's Fielding now — quick I We must 
turn out that light. 

{He leads her up stage, R., then moving quickly to table, 
turns out the light. The room becomes dark, save 
where the moonlight streatns iji through door and win- 
dow. Billy crouches in front of table. For a mo- 
ment there is silence. Then Fielding enters from l. 
and his face appears at the window. He pauses, look- 
ing into the room. No one speaks. He moves ofi and 
stands framed in the doorway, his hand on the butt of 
his revolver. After a pause, during which he peers 
intently into the room, he speaks gruffly.) 

Fielding. Hello ! 

Billy (/« the sa7ne tone). Hello ! {A short pause.) Take 

your hand off that gun ! 
Fielding {lifting his hand after an instanfs hesitation). 

I'm at a disadvantage. I can't see a thing. 
Billy. What do you want? 
Fielding. Just a social call. 
Billy. On whom? 
Fielding. Well — on you. 
Billy. Tess, light the lamp. {To Fielding.) Don't 

move — I've got you covered. 
Fielding. I'm not a fool. But I don't see why you act 

this way. I'm feehng peaceful enough to-night. 

44 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Billy. That's all right. {Tess lights the lamp.) Come in. 
Fielding {sauntering slowly into roonij hatids at his sides, 

and bowifig to Tess). Evenin'. {Cotnes dowuy l.) 
Tess {rather frigidly). Good-evening. (She stands up c.) 
Billy. Do you usually pay social calls by sneaking up to 

windows and looking in ? 
Fielding {scowling). Well — it was dark in here. I 

thought 

Billy. You thought you'd get the advantage of me. But — 

we've been expecting you. 
Fielding (with a slight start). You've been — expecting 

me? 
Billy. Yes. Heard you were coming out for a call — only 

there wasn't anything said about its being particularly 

social. 
Fielding. If you don't mind, I'd like to speak to you 

alone. 
Billy. Tess, will you oblige? {Comes down^ r.) 
Tess. Yes — of course — I 

{She moves slowly ^ l., and exits with bad grace.) 

Billy. Now, what is it ? 

Fielding. 1 want to know why you've taken such a dis- 
like to me. 
Billy. I don't dislike you, Fielding. 
Fielding. Well, you don't like me none whatever — that's 

dead sure. 
Billy. Yes — that's dead sure. 
Fielding. Why ? 
Billy. Just natural — I can't help it. 
Fielding. Look here — it's time we had an understanding. 

You crossed me the very first day I arrived in town. 
Billy. That was your fault — not mine. 
Fielding. We won't argue that. But I just want you to 

know I've got you figured out about right. 
Billy. What do you mean ? 
Fielding {with a sneer'). You said you came from Bar K 

— but you never saw Bar K in your life I 
Billy. What of it ? 
Fielding. Well — who are you — what are you ? That's 

what I want to know ! 
Billy. You said you had me figured out about right. 

What more is there to say? 

45 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Fielding. What's your business in Gaucho ? 

Billy. I came here to get work, if that's of interest to you. 

Fielding. No, you didn't. You're after some one. 

Billy. After some one ? 

Fielding. Yes — you're a man-hunter. You're a ranger ! 
Now, I want to know your game. 

Billy (coolly). What if I should tell you that I came after 
you? (Fielding starts. They stand fact fig each other 
a moment. Fielding's hand steals slowly toward his 
gun, but Billy quickly covers him.) 1 wouldn't draw 
that gun if 1 were you. 

Fielding. No, I reckon I won't — now. 

Billy. Fielding, you were right — I'm a man-hunter — I 
came to Gaucho for a man — and I want you ! 

Fielding {sullenly). What you want me for ? 

Billy. For rustling cattle. 

Fielding. Who told you I was rustling cattle ? 

Billy. Never mind — my sources of information are accurate 
enough. 

Fielding. Did any one tell you he saw me rustling 
cattle ? 

Billy. Never mind — the evidence will be forthcoming 
when it's needed. 

Fielding. Driscoll, you're runnin' a bluff. I called your 
hand just now. You had no intention of revealin' the 
fact that you was a ranger, but I got you dead to rights. 
I got my information from a man who used to know 
you. '' He's after some one, Mort," says this friend 
to me, "an' I think it's you." " He can't be after me," 
I says, ^'because he ain't got a leg to stand on. In the 
first place," I says, "1 ain't rustled no cattle. In the 
second place, if I had, I'd have been so slick about it 
that no one would have suspected it, nohow." Now, 
how you goin' to get around that? 

Billy. When I show you my hand, Fielding, it will be 
after you're safe and snug in the county jail. 

Fielding. Why, I'm not goin' to jail ! 

Billy. Oh, yes, you're going to jail — any time I say the 
word. 

Fielding. You know very well you have nothing on me. 

Billy. We'll see. 

Fielding. You want me out of the way so you'll have a 
free hand here. 

46 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Billy (sharply). What's that? 

Fielding. Oh, you know very well you're after Tess Gran- 
ville, an' 

Billy {threateningly). No more of that ! Don't you dare so 
much as name her. 

Fielding. I'll name her as often as I please. Why, Tess 
and I were 

Billy (stepping toivard Fielding). Stop ! 

Fielding. You can't scare me. I tell you if you hadn't 
butted in here I'd have married Tess Granville. (Tess 
appears in doorway^ L., and approaches Fielding.) 
And I'll have her yet, in spite of you I 

Billy. Tess — leave us — please. 

Tess {standing close to Fielding's right side). Oh, what 
a liar you are, Mort Fielding. 1 know all about you 
at last. 

Fielding. Oh, so there you are, my beauty. 

Tess. 1 hate you ! (Strikes him in the face.) Leave this 
house at once ! 

Fielding. I will. But you'll go with me ! 

Billy. Look out, Tess ! (Fielding, with a laugh ^ seizes 
Tess, holds her between him and Billy, pulls out a pis- 
tol, and backs off toward the door, tip l. c. Billy 
starts toward them.) You coward ! Release Miss 
Granville at once ! 

Fielding. When I'm ready, you black spy of a ranger ! 

Billy (raising pistol). Release her, or take the conse- 
quences ! 

(He steps forward.) 

Fielding. Stay where you are, if you know what's good 
for you. 

(Billy makes a rush, and Fielding fres. Billy pitches 
forward and falls y c. Tess screams.) 

Tess. Oh, you've killed him ! 

Fielding. I hope so. Now come, without any fuss. 

{He pulls her toward the door^ back,) 

Tess {struggling). Never. 

{She screams again.) 
47 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Fielding. Stop that; you'll have them all down on me. 
(Looks through window.) Hullo, there comes Shrunk. 
Well, I'll have one kiss, at any rate. {He seizes her ifi 
his arms J and in spite of her struggles, kisses her.) 
Good-bye, beauty ! 1 guess I've about spoiled that 
precious lover of yours, haven't I? 

(Jle dashes through door and exits to L. Tess stands sob- 
bing for a moment, the?i springs to the window.) 

Tess {calling). Oh, Mr. Shrunk. Hurry, hurry ! Catch 
him ! 

{Enter Skrvnk from R., and comes to window.) 

Shrunk. What's the matter here? Lucky I hadn't left 

yet. What was that shootin' ? {Sees Billy.) Great 

Jehoshaphat, he got Billy ! 
Tess. Yes, the murderer ! Why don't you go at once ! 

Run ! Catch him ! 
Shrunk. You're right. We'll get him, never fear. I'll 

send help. 

{Exit Shrunk to l.) 

(Tess, still sobbing, runs to Billy, and sinks at his side^ 
putting his head on her lap.) 

Tess. Oh, Billy, Billy, Billy. 

(Billy raises his head.) 

Billy {dazed). What's that? 

(Tess, still on her knees, moves back hastily.) 

Tess (l. c). Oh, I thought, I thought 

{She buries her face in her hands. Billy sits up on the 

floor, C.) 

Billy. Why, Tess. Oh, I remember now. Fielding 1 
He shot at me. 

(Billy rises.) 

Tess. I thought you were dead. {Rises.) 
Billy. Where is he ? 

Tess. Gone. Mr. Shrunk is after him. Oh, I hope they 
catch him — the villain. 

48 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Billy. Did he — hurt you ? 

Tess. He kissed me. 

Billy. So — you see now what he is ? 

Tess. Yes. I hate him. 

Billy {going up c). We'll get him. He'll pay dear for 

that kiss. {Puts his hand to head and finds blood,) 

Hullo, I've got a scratch here. 
Tess {down l.). Oh, let me bind it up. 
Billy {tying his handkerchief around his head). Thank 

you — but every minute is precious. He's well mounted. 

Good-bye, little girl. {Going.) 
Tess. Wait. Mort Fielding called you a ranger. What 

did he mean ? 
Billy. It was true — I am a Texas ranger. 
Tess. Then you've deceived us all? 
Billy. Yes, for your own good. I came here to break up 

this gang of rustlers, and I'll do it ! 
Tess. Mort will kill you if he can. 

Billy. If he can (^Going.) 

Tess. You'll — you'll be careful — Billy? And you'll come 

back ? 
Billy. Yes, I'll be careful, and I'll come back in the morn- 
ing. And when I come, I'll have Mort Fielding — dead 

or alive ! 



CURTAIN 



49 



ACT III 

SCENE. — Same as Act II, the following morning, A 
bowie knife in a sheath lies on table in plain view. 

{At rise of curtain, Tess, a7i ajixious look on her face, en- 
ters L., and going to door at back, looks off. As she 
does so voices are heard off stage and Granville and 
Shrunk eiiter r., a?id come down c.) 

Tess (coming down l.). What's the news? 

Granville. Of Billy ? None — so far. 

Tess. He's sure to get hurt. Oh, why did I let him go? 

Granville. 1 suppose because you couldn't help yourself. 

Shrunk. Billy's all-lired set in his ways — for a young feller. 
Ain't no stoppin' him when he's once started. Wouldn't 
have him no other way, would ye ? 

Tess. No — I suppose not. Tell me about last night. 

Shrunk. Well, there ain't much to tell. 

Tess. Oh, there's lots, and I've hardly heard a word about 
it. Begin from the time you left here. 

Shrunk. Well, you know Billy caught me a mile or two 
out? 

Tess. Yes, that pinto of his is a wonder. 

Shrunk. That's right. Well, he took the job of chasin* 
Fielding out of my hands. 

Tess. I hope he won't be reckless. 

Shrunk. Who — Billy ? No, indeed. He won't be reck- 
less, but he'll bring back his man. 

Granville. Well, you brought in yours last night. Sheriff. 

Shrunk. Oh, I had good luck. That there gun Tess 
lent me come in mighty handy. I hadn't no more 
than met up with Dan Stover an* give him Billy's 
message when the rustlers showed up and tried to cut 
out part of the herd. 

Tess. Then what ? 

Shrunk. Then we sailed into 'em. Kinda took 'em by 
surprise, I reckon. Fielding must *a' told 'em he'd 
keep the coast clear, far yuh ought to heard the lan- 
guage o' that young feller Manson when we captured him. 

50 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Tess. Oh, you captured Manson ? 

Shrunk. Yep — an' four o' the others. Reckon that's 

enough to break up the gang — that is, if Billy gets 

Fielding. 
Tess. But will Billy get Fielding — or will Fielding get 

him ? 
Shrunk. Well, I ain't known Billy Driscoll long, but it 

strikes me he generally gits what he goes after. (^Goes r.) 
Granville. Those are my sentiments exactly. (Goes r.) 
Tess. But suppose Fielding hides somewhere and takes him 

unawares ? 
Granville. That's a chance Billy will have to take. 
Tess. You're not very encouraging. 
Shrunk. Don't worry — Billy '11 be here afore yuh know it. 

Then our troubles' 11 be over. 
Tess. I wish I could be as confident of that as you. 

(Shrunk and Granville converse down r. Bobby and 
Polly, laughing j come ru fining in at back and down c.) 

Bobby. What do you think ? 
Tess. I don't know — what ? 
Bobby {seriously). Well, Billy Driscoll 



Tess {anxiously). Yes, yes — what about him ? 

Bobby. Oh, 1 hate to tell you this. 

Tess. What's wrong? What has happened? 

Bobby. Well, Billy DriscoU's a ranger 1 

Tess.' Oh — is that all? {Seems relieved.) 

Bobby. All ? Isn't that enough ? 

Tess. But he told me that last night. 

Bobby. Well, he didn't tell me. 

Granville. Where did you hear this, son ? 

Bobby. Slim Hess told us — we just met him in the road 

out there. He was askin' for Mr. Driscoll. 
Granville. A ranger, eh ? That's strange. 
Shrunk. Strange, but true, 
Granville. What do you know, Jim ? 
Shrunk. I know Bobby's right. Driscoll showed me his 

true colors the day he got into Gaucho. 
Granville. But he iiad a letter from the owner of Bar K, 

which said 

Tess. That was only that he might have some occupation 

here and keep his eye on Fielding without arousing 

suspicion. 

SI 



A TEXAS BANQER 

Granville {smiling). So I've had a ranger as my fore- 
man the last two weeks ? 

Shrunk. Reckon that's about it. 

Granville. By the same process of reasoning, I suppose I 
shall have no foreman in another two weeks. 

Tess. I don't know about that. I'm going to persuade 
him to stay if I can. 

{All look at her. ) 

Shrunk {significantly). Oh, ho ! 

Tess. Oh, Mr. Shrunk, you know what I mean. I don't 
mean what you mean. 

{The others laughy and Tess runs out^ l. Granville and 
Shrunk, talking^ exeunt at back.') 

Bobby. Now, we're alone. 

Polly. Well, we've been alone all the morning. 

Bobby. Yes, but you wouldn't let me talk to you. 

Polly. That was because I wasn't ready to hear what you 
have to say. 

Bobby. That's no way to treat a fellow. 

Polly. Opinions differ. 

Bobby. Oh, come, Polly {Starts to take her ha?id. 

She eludes him and gets the table beiwee?i them.) Oh, 
well, if you're going to start that again, I quit right 
here! {Flops i?ito chair ^ r. c, disgusted.) 

Polly. Oh, then you're a quitter ! 

Bobby. No — I'm not a quitter, and you know it. 

{Sits on sofay r.) 

Polly. Well, you act like one. 

Bobby. I'd hate to tell you what you act like ! 

Polly. Tell me — 1 dare you I 

Bobby. Like a provoking minx. 

Polly. Just for that I'll stay single. 

Bobby. Oh, come, don't you know what a minx is? 

Polly. Yes, it's a girl who is ** fresh." 

Bobby. Well, aren't you fresh? 

Polly. Why, Bobby Granville ! 

Bobby. Of course you are — look at your cheeks, they're 
like roses ; and your lips are like cherries ; and your 
eyes like great pools of light. Of course you're fresh — 
as fresh as the morning dew. 

52 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Polly. Oh ! I didn't know you meant that kind of 

"fresh." 
Bobby. You see what an injustice you did me ! 
Polly. Well — then — I'm sorry ! 
Bobby. And you will marry me? 
Polly. What would our folks say ? 
Bobby. Say? They'll say, <*Go ahead, bless you, my 

children." 
Polly. Well, Fll think it over and let you know. 
Bobby. You told me yesterday you'd give me my answer 

this morning. (Moves nearer to her.) 
Polly. Well — maybe I shall. 
Bobby. Then why don't you do it and not keep a fellow 

in suspense ? 
Polly. Oh, are you in suspense ? 
Bobby. Yes, I am. 
Polly (clapping her hands , and jumping up and down). 

Oh, Pm so glad ! 
Bobby. What ! D'you mean you're purposely keeping me 

in suspense ? 
Polly (laughing). Oh, Bobby ! 
Bobby. Well, if that isn't just like a minx ! 
Polly. Go ahead — you can't make me angry to-day. 
Bobby (with sarcasm). No — I see you're in a particularly 

fine humor. 
Polly. Certainly. 

Bobby. Well, I don't see anything to be joyful over. 
Polly. I do. 
Bobby. Well, what ? 

Polly. In the first place, this is the happiest day of my life. 
Bobby (perplexed). The happiest day of your life? 
Polly. Uh, huh ! 
Bobby. Well, for goodness' sake, what makes you so 

happy ? 

Polly. Well, to-day's the day (Pause.) 

Bobby. All right — to-day's the day — go on. 

Polly. To-day's the day I (Pause.) 

Bobby (impatiently). Well, to-day's the day you what? 

Polly. The day I promise to become (Pause. ) 

Bobby (a light dawning on him). Yes, the day you prom- 
ise to become (Pause.) 

Polly. The day I promise to become — more careful of the 

men I meet ! (Laughs.) 

53 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Bobby {disappointed). Aw — I thought {Pause.) 

Polly. Yes — you thought {Pause.) 

Bobby. Well — nothing ! 

( With a disgusted look he falls ifito chair again.) 

Polly. You poor boy ! 

( With a tender look she steals up behind him, then suddenly 
throws her arms around his neck.) 

Bobby {surprised). Polly ! 

Polly. Did you think I could get along without you ? 

Bobby. I was beginning to think a lot of things. 

Polly. Well — don't think them any more. 

Bobby. Do you really love me ? 

Polly. Yes, you know I do. 

Bobby {embracing her). And you'll marry me ? 

Polly. Any time you say the word. 

Bobby. Gee ! That's great. Give me a kiss to bind the 

bargain ! 
Polly. Well — ^just one ! 

( Voices are heard off, at back, mingled with the sou7id of 
wheels, and the cry of **Whoa." Enter, at back, 
Lane and Euphremia, followed by Granville ajid 
Shrunk. Bobby ajid Volly jump up. Tess enters, l.) 

Lane. Good-mornin', folks. 

{There is a chorus of ** Good-mornings,''^ as they all enter,) 

Euphremia. This is an early call, but we thought perhaps 
you had news of Mr. Driscoll. {Comes down L. c.) 

Tess (l. c). We haven't heard a word. 

Euphremia. Now, isn't that too bad ? 

Lane. Don't worry, 'Phremy — he'll turn up all right. 

Euphremia {beaming on him). Tommy, you don't know 
how I thank you for your reassurance. 

Bobby {down r., to Polly). Did you see that? 

Polly {down r., nods, laughing). 1 heard it. {Finger to 
her lips.) Sh ! They'll hear you. 

Bobby {disgusted). Well, somebody ought to tell 'em not 
to be darn fools. 

Shrunk {coming inbetween'LANEandEvvHREMJA.). Don't 
you folks think it's about time you announced your en- 
gagement ? 

54 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Lane {jmeasily). En-en-g-g-gageraent ? 

{Pulls nervously at his collar.^ 

Shrunk. Engagement's what I said. 

EuPHKEMiA. Oh, I think it would be lovely, Mr. Shrunk. 

Granville {r. c, surprised). Eh? What's this? 

Lane. N-n-n-nothing, Dick. Jest one o' Jim's little jokes. 

Shrunk {grimly). This ain't no joke. Excuse me a min- 
ute. {He leads Lane doivn l., while the others talk 
among themselves .) Didn't you tell me you was goin' 
to marry Euphremy ? 

Lane. No ! No ! 

Shrunk. You're a liar ! 

Lane. You told me 1 had to marry her, but I don't have 
to do everything you say. 

Shrunk. Well, this is one thing you gotta do ! 

Lane. Now, look here, Jim 

Shrunk. D'ye think I'm goin' to let yuh make a fool out 
o' me? 

Lane. I ain't makin* no fool out of yuh. Nature saved 
me the trouble. 

Shrunk. What's that? 

Lane. I say I don't want Euphremy. Didn't I tell yuh to 
take the ole cat an' welcome? 

Shrunk. Now, look here — I don't want yuh referrin' to 
Miss Wilson in tones o' disrespect. Anyway, that 
wasn't what I meant. 

Lane. Well, what did yuh mean ? 

Shrunk. Why, durn yuh, 1 proposed fer yuh, didn't I? 

Lane. I dunno — did yuh ? 

Shrunk. You bet I did, an' I done a good job of it, 'cause 
Euphremy clasped her hands an' says, "Sure I want 
him." 

Lane. Why in thunder can't yuh mind your own business ? 

Shrunk. 1 can. This is my business. 

Lane. You're jest jealous. Yuh want Euphremy fer your- 
self. 

Shrunk. 'Course I want her, but that's no sign I'm goin* 
to take her. 

Lane. Don't be a fool — grab her while yuh can. 

Shrunk. Nope — 'twouldn't be honorable, after she's given 
her trustin' heart to you. 

55 



A TEXAS BANGEB 

Lane. Trustin' nothin' ! Look here — I'll give yuh ten 
dollars if you'll marry her yourself. 

Shrunk. Nope ! 

Lane. I'll buy the marriage license to boot. 

Shrunk. Nope ! 

Lane. I'll throw in a month's groceries. 

Shrunk. Nope ! 

Lane. I'll toss in my hoss an' buckboard fer luck. 

Shrunk. Nope ! 

Lane. I'll throw in a new suit o' Pa'm Beach clothes I jest 
bought in El Paso. 

Shrunk. Won't fit. 

Lane. I'll give yuh my fancy vest. 

Shrunk (his face brightening^ after a pause). That one 
with the yaller dots on a red background ? 

Lane. Yep. 

Shrunk. Thunder ! I've always wanted that vest ! That's 
the most scrumptious piece o' wearin' apparel I ever 
seen in Gaucho. I reckon with that on I could hot- 
dog it up Main Street with some ambition ! 

Lane. Durned if you couldn't. You're a fine-lookin' man, 
anyway, Jim. 

Shrunk {swelling out his chesf). Do yuh think so, Tom ? 

Lane. Never worked harder — I mean I never was more in 
earnest in my life. 

Shrunk {with a glance across the room). I reckon Eu- 
phremy's a little toogood-lookin', anyway, to bechasin' 
around with a runt like you. 

Lane. D'ye know, I'm surprised yuh ain't thought o' that 
before. Is it a bargain ? 

Shrunk. Ten dollars ? 

Lane. Yep I 

Shrunk. Marriage license ? 

Lane. Yep ! 

Shrunk. A month's groceries ? 

Lane. Yep ! 

Shrunk. Hoss an' buckboard ? 

Lane. Yep ! 

Shrunk. Suit o' Pa'm Beach clothes? 

Lane. Yuh said it was too small. 

Shrunk. I can sell it ! 

Lane. Take it ! 

Shrunk. Fancy vest ? 

56 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Lane. Yep ! 

Shrunk (gleaning toward him — conjidefitially). But s'pose 

— s'pose Euphremy won't accept me ? 
Lane. Geewhilikens ! I hadn't thought o* that. 
Shrunk. Time we was thinkin' of it, I reckon. 
Lane. There's only one way to be dead sure. You'll have 

to call Euphremy aside an' tell her I got some orful 

disease. 
Shrunk. Disease? What disease? 
Lane. Hanged if I know ! {Thinks.') Er — tell her I've 

got scarabs. 
Shrunk. Scarabs ? What's them ? 
Lane. I don't know, but they sound like a disease. 
Shrunk. But what'll I say to her? 
Lane. Jest tell her I got scarabs, that it's catchin', and 

that she's got no more business marryin' me than she 

has eatin' okry gumbo fer breakfast — that she'll have 

to break off our engagement, an* to do it easy, 'cause 

I'm sensitive an' it might offend me. 
Shrunk. S'pos'n she asks me what scarabs is? 
Lane. Well, jest tell her. 
Shrunk. But I don't know myself. 
Lane. Tell her it's too awful to discuss. 
Shrunk. I gotcha ! You'd better disappear till I get 

through. I'm goin' to persuade her to elope if I can. 

We'll take your buckboard — I mean my buckboard — 

an' hike to the minister. Once the knot's tied, she 

can't escape. 
Lane. Go to it, Jim, and here's luck ! 

(He extends his handy they shake ^ then Lane exits ^ r. 
Shrunk pulls himself together and approaches the 
others.) 

Shrunk. Euphremy, may I have a word alone with yuh? 
EuPHREMiA. Certainly, Mr. Shrunk. (Misses Lane.) 

Why, where's Tommy ? 
Shrunk (with a start). Tommy? Oh — er — he'll be back 

in a minute. 
Euphremia. Well, what is it you have to say, Mr. Shrunk ? 
Shrunk. Sh ! Come here. 
Euphremia. Why are you so mysterious? 
Shrunk. Sh ! Something's happened. 

57 



A TEXAS RANGER 

(He leads her R. C, while the others, talking, go just outside 
door at back, where they look off as if watching for 
Billy. ) 

EuPHREMiA. Something has happened ? (^He nods.) Not 

— not to Tommy ? 
Shrunk. Yes, poor fellow. 

EuPHREMiA. Are you really talking about Tommy ? 
Shrunk. Yep. 
EuPHREMiA. What's the matter with him ? Please relieve 

my anxiety. 
Shrunk. Well — he's got scarabs ! 
EuPHREMiA {staggering back'). Scarabs ! What — what are 

they ? 
Shrunk {holding up his hands in horror). Don't ask me, 

Euphremy ! It's worse'n — worse'n — well, it's worse'n 

chicken cough or whoopin* pox. 
Euphremia. When did you find this out? 
Shrunk. Just a few minutes ago. Tom calls me aside an* 

says, ** Jim, 1 got the scarabs — it'll be the end of me. 

Break the news to Euphremy, then marry her an' take 

her away where I can't see her, because I couldn't 

stand it if I did." 
Euphremia. Oh, the poor man ! He never said a word 

to me. {Sobs.) And now I'm to be left all alone. 

Oh, it's too terrible to think about ! 
Shrunk. You ain't alone, Eupliremy — I've alius loved 

yuh ! {Puts his arm around her.) Now, I'm goin' 

to protect yuh all your life. But we must do as Tom 

says — we must git married in a hurry, so's he won't be 

tempted to come near yuh again. 
Euphremia. Yes, yes, I suppose you're right, but it's 

terrible — terrible ! (^Buries her face i?i her ha?ids.) 
Shrunk. What's terrible — marryin' me? 
Euphremia. No, no, of course not — I meant the scarabs. 

I've often heard of that dreadful disease, but I never 

imagined it was so fatal. 
Shrunk. Sure it is, an' it's catchin'. So come, quick, 

now {Starts toward door.) 

Euphremia {starting toward door, r.). But I can't leave 

Tommy this way. I 

Shrunk. Yes, you can — you'll have to. (^Grabs her 

arm.) You can't go in there. You mustn't see hiro 

S8 



A TEXAS BANGER 

again till you're Mrs. Shrunk — an' then only at a 
distance. 
EuPHREMiA. Well, if it must be, I suppose it must. 

{She allows him to lead her out at back. During the scene 
between Shrunk and Euphremia, Granville, Tess, 
Bobby and Polly have strolled out of sight off L. 
Shrunk and Euphremia run hurriedly out at back 
and disappear to R. When they have gone^ Lane 
peers timidly in R., looks around^ then enters and 
falls into a chair , laughing.') 

Lane (to himself). Scarabs ! 

(^Comes dotvn^ r. He laughs uproariously. Granville, 
Tess, Bobby and Polly enter at back.) 

Granville {looking around). Well — where are the others ? 

Lane. Gone. {Laughs.) Scarabs ! 

Tess. What's so funny, Mr. Lane? {Comes dowUf L.) 

Lane. I've traded off Euphremy ! {Laughs.) 

Tess {surprised). Traded off Euphremy ? 

Lane. Yep — to Jim Shrunk. 

Tess. But I thought {Pause.) 

Bobby. Yes, so did I {Pause.) 

Polly. And I {Pause.) 

Granville. Give us the details. 

Lane. Ain't no details, Dick, except I made a bargain 

with Jim to take her off my hands. 
Granville. But how did you gain her consent? 
Lane. Jim 'tended to that. Told her I had the scarabs. 
Omnes. Scarabs ! 
Bobby. What are they ? 
Lane {laugJwig). I don't know. 
Bobby {laughing). And Miss Eupliremia fell for that ! 
Lane. She sure did. They've gone to the minister's. 
Polly. Why, a scarab is a sort of beetle. 
Lane {surprised). You don't mean to tell me there's 

such a thing as scarabs? 
Tess. Surely — just as Polly says — they're beetles. 
Lane. Well, that's one on me ! But what's the difference 

so long as Euphremy thinks they're a disease? 
Granville. Come on. Let's all drink to the health of 

the bride and groom ! 

59 



A TEXAS RANGER 

{There is a chorus of assenty cries of ^^ Fine,^* ** Thaf s 
great y^^ etc., as all go r. aiid exeunt. There is a mo- 
menfs pause, then Fielding's face appears at win- 
dow. He looks i?ito the room, then tur?is and looks 
apparently at some one behind him, snarls, afid moves 
on to door, where he is follotved by Billy, who has 
him covered with his revolver. Fielding is ufiarmed.^ 

Billy {as Fielding pauses in the doorway^. Go on in I 

(Fielding snarls, but oheys.') 

Fielding. What are you going to do with me ? 
Billy. Take you to Laredo. 
Fielding. What for? 

Billy. That's a foolish question, but I'll answer it — be- 
cause you're slated for a nice little term in jail. 

(Fielding co77ies dowfi, r. c. Billy co?nes down, r.) 

Fielding. You've no evidence. 

Billy. Oh, yes, I have plenty. By this time some of your 
gang has been captured. There won't be any trouble 
making them " squeal." 

Fielding. You haven't got anyone to ** squeal." Look 
here — what are you fighting me for — revenge? 

Billy. Not at all. It's merely in my line of business. 

Fielding (with a sneer). Because you're a ranger, eh? 

Billy. Yes, and because I like to catch criminals like you. 

Fielding. How do I know you're who you say you are? 

Billy. You'll have plenty of time to investigate that later. 

Fielding. I want to see your authority. 

Billy {holding up his gun). There it is. 

Fielding. Have you a warrant for my arrest ? 

Billy. Don't need one. In the first place, you tried to 
kill me. In the second place, the Texas rangers take 
what they want. I wanted you. I've got you. That's 
all that need bother you now. 

Fielding {between clenched teeth). Then you'd heard of 
me before you came to Gaucho ? 

Billy. Heard of you ? My dear Mr. Fielding, your repu- 
tation has penetrated many portions of the state which 
you, probably, have never seen. Oh, yes, you're quite 
famous — as a cattle rustler. That's why they sent me 
out here to fetch you in, either — well, anyway, but to 
fetch you ! 

60 



A TEXAS EANGEB 

Fielding. And I played right into your hands. 

Billy. Nothing of the sort. You've created all the dis- 
turbance you possibly could. You're a good fighter, 
as fighters go, Fielding, but you know now that it's 
useless to buck the rangers, the greatest body of fight- 
ing men in the world. If it wasn't for them the border 
would run wild to-day, just as it did thirty years ago. 
The inclination to be lawless is still here, but the rangers 
have come, and it's mighty hard to do anything wrong 
and get away with it. 

Fielding. I ain't never run up against the rangers before. 
But — well, you've got me. What' 11 you take to turn 
me loose ? 

Billy (^stiffening). What do you mean ? 

Fielding. Why, I've got money — all you got to do is 
name your price. 

Billy. I ought to slap your face for that. But you take 
this from me straight — you're going to jail. There 
isn't enough money in the government treasury to keep 
me from turning you over to the authorities at Laredo. 

Fielding {sulle7ily). What if I turn state's evidence? 

Billy. Not a chance ! Think I'd let you betray your 
pals ? Not if it's going to lessen your punishment. 
It's such men as you. Fielding, who, in the past, more 
than now, have given Texas a bad name she doesn't 
deserve, and I'm determined to exterminate cattle rus- 
tling on the border before I'm through. 

Fielding (casting a shrewd eye at the knife on the table'). 
Well, if that's the way you feel, let's go. But first — 
will you shake hands? 

(Fielding advances slowly toward Billy. Billy, eyeing 
him narrowly^ drops his hand to his gun. Fielding 
pauses. They glare at each other.) 

Billy. What's the game ? 

Fielding. I just want tp show you there's no hard feelin*s. 

Billy. If you're so anxious to shake hands with me, after 

what I've done to you, there's something behind it. 
Fielding. No, there ain't. 
Billy. Well — excuse me ! I won't shake. 
Fielding. You won't? (He edges closer.) 
Billy. Stop where you are ! 

6i 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Fielding {suddenly). Quick ! Look I Who's that be- 
hind you ? 

Billy (^doesn't iurn^ but laughs). Eve tried to work that 
trick on Adam. Since then it's been handed down 
through generations. It's good, but it's too old. 

Fielding {with a snarl), Driscoll, I'll get you yet. 

Billy. Ah ! The wolf shows his teeth again. Don't you 
want to shake hands ? (^Laughs.) 

Fielding. You heard me — I'll get you yet ! 

Billy. I fail to see how, my friend. 

Fielding. I'll show you how. 

{They glare again. Fielding suddenly leaps toward Billy, 
and grasps the hand with which Billy has gripped his 
gun. With the other hand he reaches to the table and 
gets the knife. They struggle.) 

Billy. Drop that knife ! 
Fielding. Make me ! 
Billy. Drop it ! 
Fielding. Not on your life ! 

(As they struggle, Pepita peers in at the 7vindow. She 
starts when she sees the men, then moves on and ap- 
pears in door at back. She watches the struggle a mo- 
ment , then, draining a small revolver fro7Jt her jacket, 
she moves stealthily in, comes down C. and presses it 
against Fielding's side.) 

Pepita. Drop that knife, senor ! 

{The men pause in their struggle. Fielding half peers 
around to see who speaks, and as he does so, Billy 
gives his ivrist a quick twist and the knife clatters to 
the floor. Billy, with a dexterous kick, sends it spirt- 
ning across the room.) 

Fielding {to Pepita). What did you do that for? 
Pepita {angrily). You ask me why I do eet ? As eef you 

do not know. You promise* -to marry me, to care for 

me an' for my mother, then you see another pretty face 

an' you come no more. 
Fielding. I never promised to marry you. 
Pepita. You did — you did ! An' only two night' ago 

you come to our cabin, an' you keek me an' beat me. 

Ah ! dios — you theenk I can forget that ? 

62 



A TEXAS BANGEB 

Fielding (^sullenly). I only gave you what you deserved. 
Pepita. An' why do I deserve all dis ? Because 1 ask you 

you keep your promise ? 
Fielding. I tell you, I never made any promise. 
Pepita. You did — you know you did. For two days I 

have tried to find you, an' now I am here an' you got 

to pay ! 
Fielding {startled'). Pay? What d' you mean? 
Pepita. 1 mean that I am here to keel you. 
Fielding (r., forcing himself to be gracious). Oh, come, 

Pepita 

Pepita (l. c). You needn't say "Oh, come, Pepita'* 

{ino eking him), and you stay where you are. An' eet 

ees best you say your prayers, for maybe eet ees the las' 

chance you have. 
Fielding {nervously). Driscoll, are you goin' to stand 

there and see me shot down in cold blood ? 
Billy. No — then the state would be cheated of its rightful 

prey. {To Pepita.) Put down your gun and leave 

this man to me. 
Pepita. No, senor, no — I have made up my mind. 
Billy. Come, now, listen to me ! 
Pepita. No. You do not know thees man as I know 

heem. He a ver' bad man — he have no respect for 

vomen. 
Fielding. I've plenty of respect for a good woman. 
Pepita. I'm a good voman — good, do you hear, senor? 

Eet ees not your fault that eet ees so, but I am good — 

Senor Driscoll, you believe me ? Say yes 1 
Billy. Of course I believe you. So put up your revolver. 
Pepita. No, senor — not until thees man has met hees fate. 
Fielding (uneasily). Don't shoot me, Pepita, and I'll do 

anything you say. 
Pepita. Ah, why you did not theenk of that before? Eet 

ees now too late, senor. When you come to de cabin 

an' keek me an* beat me — dios, dat was the end ! 
Billy {going to her). Listen, Pepita ! 

{She steps back a pace. Billy is not between her and 
Fielding, but a little up stage.) 

Pepita {panting). Well, senor ! 
Billy. Do you know who I am ? 
Pepita. I have heard that you are Seiior Driscoll. 

63 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Billy. That's right. And did you hear why I came to 

Gaucho ? 
Pepita. No — I did not hear that. 
Billy. I'm a ranger, Pepita — and I came after him ! 

{Points to Fielding.) 

Vevit k {surprised). A ranger? Then Seiior Fielding ees 

under arres' ? 
Billy. Yes. 

(Tess appears in door, R. She comes down c, unnoticed by 

the others.) 

Pepita {to Fielding, with a sneer). Under arrest ! You, 
who have made many boast* that you would never see 
the inside of a jail. Well, perhaps you never will, but 
eet ees only because you do not leeve that long. 

Billy. Pepita ! 

{He gets between her and Fielding. Pepita steps forward 
so as to get around Billy, aims at Fielding, and 
fires. The moment before the gun explodes Tess 
screams^ jumps forward at Billy's left^ and pushes 
Pepita' s ha^id up, holding her by the wrist.) 

Tess. Pepita ! How could you ? You might have killed 

him. {To Billy.) Quick, take her gun. 
Billy {disarming Pepita, who drops to the floor, down l., 

sobbing). Oh, she won't fire again. Fielding's safe 

enough. 
Tess. I didn't care anything about Mort Fielding. But 

she might have hit you. 
Billy {looking at her). Oh, was that it ? 

(Bobby a7id Polly run in r.) 

Polly. What was that shooting ? 

Bobby. Gee ! You've got Fielding ! Any one hurt ? 

(Fielding edges toward door, up ^.) 

Billy. No. {Sharply, to Fielding. ) Here ! None of 
that ; come back. Another move like that and Pepita 
shall have her way. 

Fielding. I was only trying to keep out of her sight. She 
might have another gun. 

64 



A TEXAS BANGER 

Billy. You were trying to get to a horse — I know your 
tricks. Here, Bobby, you are just in time. {^Hands 
gun to Bobby.) Keep your eye on that gentleman, 
and if he moves an eyelash, plug him. 

Bobby. You bet I will. 

( Ostentatiously guarding Fielding, up r.) 

Billy. Now, Pepita, you're going to be good and go home, 

aren't you ? 
Pepita {sobbing'). I swore I'd keel heem, and I must, I 

must ! 

(Polly goes to Pepita, doivn l.) 

Billy. Listen, Pepita. You want to see Fielding pun- 
ished ? 

Pepita. Yes ! Yes ! 

Billy. Well, 1*11 guarantee that he shall be punished. 
There's enough evidence on several diiferent counts to 
send him up for forty years — and he's going to get the 
limit. Now, go home like a good girl. To-morrow 
I'll come and bring you some money. 

Pepita. But, senor, I cannot accept your money. 

Billy. It won't be my money — it will be his. (^Indicates 
Fielding, who scowls. ) He has plenty, for he tried 
to bribe me to turn him loose. 

Tess. Oh, the cur ! (Glares at Fielding.) 

Billy (to Pepita). Will you do as I say ? 

Pepita. Yes, senor — yes. You are right — eet ees the bet- 
ter way. 

(Pepita kisses his hand, draivs herself up, gives Fielding 
one last look of hatre'd, ajid exits at back to r. Polly 
goes also, her arm about Pepita' s shoulders.) 

Billy. Now, Bobby ! 

Bobby. Yes, Mr. DriscoU. 

Billy. Take this man to the barn and hand him over to 
Stover to keep till I come. You'll find a pair of hand- 
cuffs in a box near the door if )^ou need them. 

Fielding. Oh, I'll go without them things. 

Billy. You'll go any way I say, Fielding. 

Bobby. Now, Mr. Cattle-Rustier, forward march, and no 
funny business. 

65 



A TEXAS BANGEB 

{Exit Fielding at back and off r., followed by Bobby. 
Tess moves down l., and ^illy follows.) 

Billy. Tess. 

Tess. Well? 

Billy. A few minutes ago you said it was I you were 
worrying over. Did you mean that, girl ? 

Tess. Yes. 

Billy (^drawing her toward him). And you don't care if 
I am a ranger? 

Tess. Oh, Billy, I'm proud of you — proud. But 

Billy. But what ? 

Tess. It's — it's an awfully dangerous life. 

Billy {latighins^). Well, that's so. I'm thinking of giv- 
ing it up and settling down. I'd like to get married, 
but I guess maybe no girl would have me. 

Tess. Oh, Billy ! 

Billy {jnocking her). Oh, Billy ! Look here — you don't 
know any girl who'd have me, do you? 

Tess. Yes, I do. 

Billy (draiuing her closer). Not — not you, Tessie? 

Tess (Jier head against his shoulder). Yes. 

Billy. Well, then, that's all right, ain't it? [Kisses her.) 
I sure will have to settle down now, won't I? 

[Enter at back, from r., Lane rt«^ Granville.) 

Granville. Well, Billy, so you're back. 

{Grasps Billy's hand.) 

Lane. And got yer man. 

Granville. Where did you find him, Billy? 

Billy. I took him in the mountains, after an all night 

chase. 
Granville. And you're not hurt ? 

Billy. Only this scratch. [Touches head.) It's nothing. 
Tess. It might have been — awful ! 
Billy. Oh, shucks ! Why 

{There is the sound of voices off v^. at back, then Shrunk 
and EuPHREMiA hurry past the windoiu and appear in 
doorway y followed by Bobby and Polly.) 

Bobby. Hurrah 1 The bridal couple ! 
Polly. How I wish we had some rice ! 



A TEXAS BANGER 

EuPHREMiA (seeing 'Lai^'E^. Oh, Tommy — Tommy! 
Lane (coolly). Go away — you ain't talkin' to me — tell it 
to him 1 

(Points to Shrunk, who has paused in a dejected attitude 
by door at back.) 

EuPHREMiA. But you don't understand, Tommy — we're 
not married — 1 don't care what you've got — I've come 
back to you to stay — to stay ! 

Lane. Good-night ! 

(He drops limply iftto a chair — she runs to him and puts 
her arms around his necky while Shrunk leans weakly 
against the sill. The others laugh.) 

Billy. Well, I must be goin', Mr. Granville. I've got to 

take Fielding over to Laredo. 
Granville. You'll need some help. 
Billy. No — only a few days' leave of absence. 
Granville. Leave of absence ! Why, you're a ranger. 

I've no claim on you nov/. 
Billy. Well, I don't know. Maybe you haven't any claim, 

but — there's some one else who has. 

(He looks at Tess, and takes her hand.) 

Granville. Hello ! What does this mean ? 
Billy. It means that if you're willing, Mr. Granville, this 
little girl here is going to marry me. 

(Tess goes to her father.) 

Tess. Oh, father, say yes. Because I've got to have him. 

(All laugh.) 

Billy. And I'm going to stay right here as foreman if you 

want me. 
Granville. Want you? It's the proudest moment of my 

life. Take her, my boy. 

(Tess goes to Billy.) 
Billy. Well, then, that's all right. 

(Takes Tess in his arms,) 

curtain 
67 



Unusually Good Entertainments 

Read One or More of These Before Deciding on 
Your Next Program 

GRADUATION DAY AT WOOD HILL SCHOOL. 

An Entertainment in Two Acts, by Ward Macauley. For six 
males and four females, with several minor parts. Time of 
playing, two hours. Modern costumes. Simple interior scenes; 
may be presented in a hall without scenery. The unusual com- 
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cents. 

EXAMINATION DAY AT "WOOD HILL SCHOOL. 

An Entertainment in One Act, by Ward Macauley. Eight male 
and six female characters, with minor parts. Plays one hour. 
Scene, an easy interior, or may be given without scenery. Cos- 
tumes, modern. Miss Marks, the teacher, refuses to marry a 
trustee, who threatens to discharge her. The examination in- 
cludes recitations and songs, and brings out many funny answers 
to questions. At the close Robert Coleman, an old lover, claims 
the teacher. Very easy and very effective. Price, 15 cents. 

BACK TO THE COUNTRY STORE. A Rural Enter- 
tainment in Three Acts, by Ward Macauley. For four male 
and five female characters, with some smpers. Time, two hours. 
Two scenes, both easy interiors. Can be played effectively with- 
out scenery. Costumes, modern. All the principal parts are 
sure hits. Quigley Higginbotham, known as "Quig," a clerk in 
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Price, 15 cents. 

THE DISTRICT CONVENTION. A Farcical Sketch 
in One Act, by Frank Dumont. For eleven males and one 
female, or twelve males. Any number of other parts or super- 
numeraries may be added. Plays forty-five minutes. No special 
scenery is required, and the costumes and properties are all' 
easy. The play shows an uproarious political nominating con- 
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part will make a hit. Price, 15 cents. 

SI SLOCUM'S COUNTRY STORE. An Entertainment' 
in One Act, by Frank Dumont. Eleven male and five female 
characters with supernumeraries. Several parts may be doubled. 
Plays one hour. Interior scene, or may be played without set 
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THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

PHILADELPHIA 



Successful Plays for All Girls 

In Selecting Your Next Play Do Not Overlook This Li»t 

YOUNG DOCTOR DEVINE. A Farce in Two Acts. 
by Mrs. E. J. H. Goodfellow. One of the most popular 
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tainment, by Amelia San ford. For seven female char- 
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hour. Costumes, modern. Scenes, easy interiors and one stre«t 
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HOW A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET. A Comedy 

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Time, half an hour. Scene, an easy interior. Costumes, modern. 
Mabel Sweetly has just become engaged to Harold, but it's "the 
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friend and so the secret travels. Price, 15 cents. 

______ \ 

THE OXFORD AFFAIR. A Comedy in Three Acts, 

by Josephine H. Cobb and Jennie E. Paine. For eight female 
characters. Plays one hour and three-quarters. Scenes, inter- 
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play is located at a summer resort. Alice Graham, in order to 
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THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

PHILADELPHIA 



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